The Colts’ 2023 rookie class could win the NFL Olympics based on pure athleticism and explosive potential. All of them have the potential to be productive NFL players, but what does their rookie season look like?
Anthony Richardson – QB
Colts QB Anthony Richardson (5) – Mykal McEldowney/USA TODAY Sports
The biggest question around this freakazoid of a man is, what is he? What is he as a quarterback? With only 13 college starts, Richardson’s stats don’t jump off the page, but no one can deny his unicorn abilities. He is statistically the greatest athlete ever to play the quarterback position. I mean, just watch him dunk…
Pulled up for a hoop session today and apparently #Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson had the same idea. No stopping him in transition! ?
Lol I matched up with him a couple times, once on a fast break. I stopped and shot the 3 because I know he would’ve Lebron-ed my layup! ? pic.twitter.com/5NwzZqpeHb
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 11, 2023
These skills can be transferred easily to an NFL field, but how good will he be in his inaugural season? Hopefully, it’s somewhere between Lamar Jackson’s and Jalen Hurts’ first season as starters.
In Lamar Jackson’s first full season as the Ravens starter, he won MVP. I could be wrong, but that is an unattainable goal for Richardson. That Ravens team was ready to win under a bonafide Super Bowl Champion head coach; that’s not the Colts’ situation. However, Richardson will have Lamar-esque rushing highlights early on. His ability to run will allow him to feel success in the NFL while developing his passing skills, just like Lamar Jackson.
The true expectation for his performance needs to be slightly better than Jalen Hurts’ first starting season with the Eagles. Hurts had a 61% completion percentage with 16 touchdowns and ten interceptions. He also added ten rushing touchdowns. Then offensive coordinator Shane Steichen leaned into Hurts’ rushing ability, a tactic he will undoubtedly utilize with Richardson.
Anthony Richardson is going to be a stunning spectacle, and if his performance lands between early Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts, Colts nation should be ecstatic about the future.
Stat prediction – 60% completion percentage with 3762 yards, 18 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He will also add 12 rushing touchdowns.
JuJu Brents, Darius Rush, and Jaylon Jones – CB
Colts DB JuJu Brents – Michael Conroy/AP Photo
The only thing Gus Bradley should want from his young corners is smart, aggressive football. These three young men will see substantial playing time with a young defensive backfield. Expect growing pains early especially facing Trevor Lawrence and his carousel of weapons Calvin Ridley, Christian Kik, and Evan Engram. However, all three of these corners are long and fast. When given the opportunity, they will all make plays on the football.
This unit is young, but veterans like Julian Blackmon will have a tremendous impact on their growth. Blackmon is known to be the best communicator on the defense, which will be essential for these young men to know where to go and how to do it. Gus Bradley has experience taking talented defensive backs and turning them into superstars; he’ll have to do it again with the most athletic young drop he’s ever worked with.
Stat prediction (combined) – 4 interceptions and 15 pass breakups.
Josh Downs – WR
Colts WR Josh Downs (11) – Justin Casterline/Getty Images
When young receivers garner praise from legends like Steve Smith Sr., you know they got some dog in them. Expectations for Josh Downs are huge, and they should be.
Downs has shown incredible footwork and route-running ability, the perfect combination for a Shane Steichen RPO package. His short-area quickness and big-play explosion provide a shot of adrenaline to the Colts’ receiver room. Position coach and Colts’ legend Reggie Wayne believes Downs’ intelligence and versatility provide him with the opportunity to play multiple receiver positions, even though he spent the majority of his time at North Carolina in the slot.
Downs will be receiving tons of quick passes and bubbles to get the ball in his hands in space. His shifty playmaking will be an asset to his fellow rookie Anthony Richardson. If everything goes to plan, Richardson and Downs could turn into the modern-day version of Brady and Edelman.
Stat prediction – 34 receptions, 432 yards, and five touchdowns.
Adetomiwa Adebawore – DT
Colts DT Adetomiwa Adebawore (99) – Randy Litzinger/Getty Images
The 110th overall pick played defensive end at Northwestern, but the Colts believe Adebawore has untapped potential playing the three-technique. If he can pick up tips from All-Pro starter DeForest Buckner, his natural athleticism will be turned into a beast on the defensive line.
His athleticism jumps off the screen on film, but he has lots of room to grow. The great news is that he’ll be challenged in practice every day. The Colts’ front office has built a deep and young defensive line rotation that will be competing for snaps on Sundays. Iron sharpens iron, so Adebawore will have every opportunity to improve his game.
If he can muster a couple of sacks while being a reliable run-stopper, Adebawore will set himself up nicely for a breakout sophomore season.
Stat prediction – 2 sacks, eight hurries, and 18 tackles.
The Colts drafted the most athletic class of all time. These physical freaks are waiting to rain terror on the opponent. It should be a fun next couple of years for the Colts.
