Where was Colts’ Anthony Richardson ranked against his QB peers?

Touchdown Wire’s Jarrett Bailey recently ranked the top 36 quarterbacks in the NFL heading into the 2024 season. So where did the Indianapolis Colts’ Anthony Richardson fall on his list?

Unfortunately, a shoulder injury would cut Anthony Richardson’s rookie season short to only four games. However, in that limited sample size, we saw his sky-high potential on display.

Richardson would complete 60 percent of his pass attempts at 6.9 yards per pass with three touchdowns to one interception. Healso rushed for 136 yards and four more scores. But, as is the case with any young player, there is still room for refinement.

“Had a year with a lot of really exciting plays,” said offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. “Was able to stress the defenses in a lot of different areas–to the field, to the boundary, short, intermediate, and deep. Probably every throw wasn’t an A+ that’s now how it works in this league for a quarterback. You’re going to miss a few. You’re going to be just a tad off on a few.

“I know there was a lot of techniques that we’re working to refine–that he’s working to refine. Like anything, as a young quarterback, you learn so much that first year, and I think AR did.”

The ceiling for the Colts’ offense this season is ultimately going to be determined by Richardson’s level of play, but GM Chris Ballard has built a strong unit around him to help with some of that heavy lifting.

As Cooter would also mention, the backfield duo of Richardson and Taylor will really stress opposing defenses. The tight end room has a variety of skill sets in it, while the Colts found their playmaking presence at receiver in Adonai Mitchell to pair with Michael Pittman and Josh Downs.

And not to be forgotten, Richardson will be behind an offensive line unit that is returning all five of its starters after ranking in the top 10 in both yards per carry and pressure rate in 2023. There is also something to be said for the potential leap this unit as a whole could make now in its second season under head coach Shane Steichen.

“It’s been good,” said Cooter of the offseason programs. “Good to get rolling here. Phase I goes to Phase II and we’re able to get out there a little bit, and move around, and work through everything we’re working through as a team, as an offense.

“I’ll hold all the absolute and exact details of everybody and what we’re doing out there. But it’s good to get back. He’s (Richardson) got good energy and it’s been good.”

Now, here is that full list from Bailey, including where Richardson (and Joe Flacco) is ranked in comparison to the rest of the league: