NFL analyst believes Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson could accomplish a big milestone this season

The Indianapolis Colts have just one final hurdle before the 2024 NFL regular season: their preseason finale tonight against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Colts' success in 2024 is tied directly to the play of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is returning from a shoulder injury that ended his rookie season.

That isn't deterring Justin Melo of The Draft Network from projecting a big year out of Richardson. Melo chose Richardson as one of five players he believes will make their first Pro Bowl in 2024.

Could Anthony Richardson make his first Pro Bowl in 2024

Richardson could only appear in four games during his rookie season due to him suffering a concussion and a shoulder injury that would land him on the season-ending injury reserve. But he still had plenty of flashes of the high upside he possesses as a dual-threat ability at the quarterback position. Melo had the following reason why he thinks Richardson will make the Pro Bowl this year.

"Expectations are high for Indianapolis Colts sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson. The dual-threat saw his rookie campaign completely derailed by a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5. It robbed the viewing public of an exciting season.

Richardson is healthy and ready to make up for lost time. The Colts are extremely invested in his development and expect to compete for the AFC South division title this season. Ironically, Gardner Minshew, who replaced the injured Richardson, was named a Pro Bowl alternate. The Colts boast an impressive offensive supporting cast that includes rookie wideout Adonai Mitchell. A healthy Richardson could be a first-time Pro Bowler."

- Justin Melo, The Draft Network

If Melo is right and Richardson can accomplish this feat, it would be massive for the Colts offense. They were able to win nine games last season while having backup QB Gardner Minshew under center for most of the year, but they fell just inches short of winning the AFC South and punching their ticket to the playoffs. So if Richardson lives up to the hype, the AFC and the NFL as a whole will see the Colts catapult themselves into legit contender status.

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