With offseason programs now behind us, let’s take a position-by-position look at where things stand for the Colts, starting with quarterbacks.
With offseason programs now behind us, let’s take a position-by-position look at where things stand for the Indianapolis Colts, starting with quarterbacks.
The Colts brought in Daniel Jones during free agency to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting role. As Shane Steichen had said earlier this offseason, the plan was for the two to split the starting reps, and ultimately, the most consistent performer throughout the summer would be named the Week 1 starter.
To help find more consistency after completing just 47% of his passes last season, Richardson has prioritized working on his footwork this offseason. For a quarterback, this is where accuracy often begins.
Unfortunately, a shoulder injury for Richardson early on in OTAs stopped that competition from happening for the time being. He would miss most of OTAs and minicamp, which allowed Jones to take all of the first-team reps.
It’s been reported that rest is what Richardson’s shoulder needs, and the good news is that multiple NFL insiders have said that he should be ready to go for training camp. However, even if Richardson is ready to go on Day 1, that doesn’t mean he will be a full-go, with Steichen mentioning that there will have to be a ramp-up period for him upon his return.
Indianapolis Colts “very pleased” with Daniel Jones’ performance
Jones, meanwhile, is adjusting to a new team and offensive system. But helping to expedite that learning curve is his NFL experience, having made 69 career starts, and the opportunity to get quite a few more reps with the starters over the last few weeks.
“Very pleased with what we got right now,” Steichen said of Jones’ play after Thursday’s practice, via Locked on Colts. “He’s been doing a hell of a job. Really smart football player. Learned the offense very quickly. Making really good decisions out there through OTAs. Obviously want to carry that over to training camp, but he’s done a really good job. Great command of the huddle, ultimate pro.”
Jones’ performance during offseason programs and Richardson having missed time aren’t going to determine who wins the starting quarterback job. However, Richardson is playing from behind a bit, simply due to the fact that he’s missed out on quite a few reps, and when he’s back, he’ll have to make up ground quickly.
What about rookie quarterback Riley Leonard?
With Richardson sidelined, it’s not only Jones who has gotten more reps, but Leonard has as well. As should be expected with a rookie quarterback who was taken on Day 3, Leoanrd’s results have been “mixed,” as the Indy Star’s Joel Erickson put it. Erickson specifically noted that underthrown balls have been an issue for Leonard.
With Jones and Richardson ahead of Leonard on the depth chart, the rookie will have the opportunity to grow and develop this season as the likely third quarterback on the 53-man roster.
The Colts had shown a lot of interest in Leonard during the pre-draft process, and one aspect of his game that stood out to them, as area scout Mike Lacy recalled after the draft, was that he had some of his best games during Notre Dame’s run through the College Football Playoffs.
“He’s got the physical ability to be much more than a No. 3,” Lacy said after the draft via the Indy Star. “I think that’s kind of what he’s going to be coming in as. He’s going to find his way. He’s going to learn, be a sponge, soak things up and be ready to go. We’re excited about what he can be, that’s for sure.”
Second-year player Jason Bean seems to be slotted in as the clear fourth quarterback option on the depth chart this spring.
The Colts also had Desmond Ridder in for a tryout during minicamp, but no signing seems imminent.