Anthony Richardson getting first-team reps at Indianapolis Colts training camp

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is receiving first-team reps at training camp Friday.

Richardson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida but was viewed as a longer-term project compared to top-two picks Bryce Young and CJ Stroud.

The dynamic thrower has already displayed his playmaking ability Friday, scrambling out of the pocket and hitting Alec Pierce for a long touchdown in 7-on-7 work.

#Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson just ripped one roughly 60 yards to Alec Pierce for a TD after rolling out to his left.

Disclaimer: He would’ve been sacked in a real game because he held the ball for like 10 seconds, but the arm talent is *different.*

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 28, 2023

Richardson is one of three quarterbacks on the roster along with Gardner Minshew and Sam Ehlinger. Minshew, who is entering his fifth NFL season, had the first team reps the other day in practice.

Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter spoke to the media Wednesday and said Richardson, who is still only 21 years old, has been doing a really good taking in information and trying to learn as much as possible.

“He’s been doing a great job of soaking up information,” Cooter said. “He’s been doing a great job of asking questions back and forth.”

Richardson signed his rookie deal this week, which is a four-year, $33.99-million guaranteed deal. He also earned a $21.72-million signing bonus.

The news was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport and Tom Pelissero.

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky is a believer in Richardson. Earlier in the month, he made a bold prediction about Richardson’s rookie season.

“Anthony Richardson, the rookie quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts will win Offensive Rookie of the Year,” Orlovsky proclaimed. “The unicorn talent where he can beat you with his arm, his legs, and his mind.”

Richardson had only one year of starting experience in college with the Gators. He made 12 starts in 2022 with a 6-6 record, throwing for 2,549 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and nine picks on a 54% completion percentage.

He also added 654 rushing yards and nine more scores on the ground.

Coming out of high school, Richardson was a four-star recruit. But On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Powers said that the industry still underrated him as a recruit.

“Indianapolis Colts’ No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson was not an easy evaluation as a high school prospect. He was not overly productive as a junior and showed some flashes early on as a senior, but missed half of the season with a shoulder injury. Even though he wasn’t a dominant player, we should’ve done a better job of recognizing and weighing his incredibly rare physical tools. Richardson was 6-foot-4, 225 pounds with a 10.5-inch hand. He ran a verified 4.50-second 40-yard dash and showed a very strong arm in neutral settings.”