Post Bears-Panthers trade: Which quarterback is likely to be selected by the Indianapolis Colts?
The quarterback situation in next month's NFL draft is becoming more intense after the completion of a trade deal between the Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers, which saw the Panthers become the holder of the first overall pick.
In place of their first overall pick, the Bears will be getting the 9th and 61st picks in next month's draft. They also received a first-round pick in the 2024 draft as well as a second-round pick in 2025. The deal also included elite wide receiver D.J. Moore joining the Bears
The Indianapolis Colts will look to solve their long-term quarterback woes with their first selection in the upcoming draft. However, the ascension of the Panthers into the top spot has changed the complexion of the draft, leading the Colts to make some tweaks.
The Panthers are in the market for a new quarterback. The situation is the same for the second-overall pick holder, the Houston Texans. While the Arizona Cardinals might not be in the same position as the two with the presence of Kyler Murray, the Colts are definitely the third in the order looking to get a franchise quarterback during the draft.
Updated NFL Draft Order:
1. Panthers (from Bears)
2. Texans
3. Cardinals
4. Colts
5. Seahawks
6. Lions
7. Raiders
8. Falcons
9. Bears (from Panthers)
10. Eagles
Which quarterback is likely to be selected by the Colts
Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis are undoubtedly the four biggest quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft. It’s almost certain that the four players will end up in the first four franchises looking to bring in a quarterback in the draft order.
Being realistic, the Panthers and the Texans are most likely to select either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud. This effectively cuts the options down to Anthony Richardson and Will Levis for the Colts, who are poised to secure an Andrew Luck replacement.
Considering athleticism and the attributes head coach Shane Steichen seems to be searching for, Anthony Richardson is the quarterback likely to be selected by the franchise. He looks more like the right option for the offensive-minded Steichen.
pick No. 9
Even more likely the Colts get Anthony Richardson. I love it twitter.com/adamschefter/s…
Richardson attributes and performances
Coming out of the Florida Gators football program, Anthony Richardson is a dynamic quarterback with plenty to offer. Though the Miami-born player was inconsistent in his first two seasons with the Gators, his talent and athleticism were evident in his final season.
Redshirted as a freshman, Richardson's final season with the Gators saw him throw for 2,549 yards and 17 touchdowns, along with 9 interceptions in 12 games. The quarterback also rushed for 654 yards in 103 attempts, leading to 9 touchdowns.
The 21-year-old quarterback also had an impressive outing in the just concluded NFL Combine, which caught the attention of many NFL franchises. He jumped 10 feet 9 inches in the broad jump and 40.5 inches in the vertical jump. Richardson also recorded 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash, the fourth-best for a quarterback since 2003.
Richardson's dual-threat attributes adequately present him as a brilliant option for Shane Steichen, who is coming fresh from working with Jalen Hurt. His agility in play as well as jaw-dropping arm strength makes him a great fit to become Colts’ next franchise quarterback.
While many mock drafts have predicted the selection of Richardson by the Colts after the latest development, it remains to be seen whether the management of the franchise is thinking in the same direction. Steichen has a track record of bringing out the best in young quarterbacks, and Anthony Richardson might be the next prospect under his tutelage.