Anthony Richardson expected to become 'legitimate star' this season

Former Florida football star Anthony Richardson was taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts based sheerly on his other-worldly athletic talents. It has taken a bit for the Gainesville native to get into the groove — mostly because of a season-ending injury sustained last year — but he is expected to take off this coming campaign.

CBS Sports writer Chris Trapasso took a look at a few of the most promising recent former first-round selections, including Richardson. He expects the former Gators standout to become a “legitimate star” and explains why.

“Richardson is indisputably in the top tier of athletic specimens at the quarterback position today,” he begins. “In fact, he’s probably the most naturally gifted quarterback in football. Which is really saying something. Now, of course, the passing element has to come close to matching said athletic prowess for him to ultimately succeed in the NFL.”

Trapasso also notes a precedent that bodes well for the Orange and Blue alumnus.

“But I watched every Jalen Hurts drop back in 2021, when he began to settle into the starting role AND when he experienced his ginormous breakout en route to a Super Bowl appearance under second-year Colts head coach Shane Steichen. And it was the most quarterback-friendly system I’ve ever witnessed,” he continues.

“The schemed-opened plays were ubiquitous and there was heavy RPO usage, which was familiar for Hurts during his collegiate breakout at Oklahoma. Coincidently, Richardson’s Florida offense leaned on the RPO, and Richardson, given his dynamic threat of the run, was tremendous operating those as a Gator.”

He also points out that Indianapolis already has some pieces in place on both the field and the sideline to support their future star play-caller.

“Remember too, Steichen and the Colts were extraordinarily close to advancing to the playoffs in a loaded AFC a season ago with Gardner Minshew throwing 490 passes during the regular season — Steichen is probably the most underrated play designer in football.

“Richardson is locked and loaded, titled toward the sky, ready for liftoff in 2024.”

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