There’s been some chatter that the Colts could look to move up in the first round as they pursue their franchise quarterback, but it’s sounding increasingly likely that they’ll stay at No. 4. According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, there’s “considerable chatter” that the Colts will not trade up for a quarterback.
In this scenario, the Colts would still be selecting a QB, with ESPN’s Stephen Holder adding that the organization feels “immense pressure” to select a quarterback with their highest draft selection in a decade. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud will presumably be selected with the top-two picks, and if the Cardinals somehow keep their selection at No. 3, Indy would have their choice of Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson.
Per Miller, sources believe Levis is currently higher on Indy’s draft board than Richardson. This is mostly due to the Kentucky product’s ability to play right away, as the Colts would prefer to insert their rookie QB right into the starting lineup. The organization has some depth at the position in Gardner Minshew, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger, but it sounds like the Colts are ready to give their rookie a long leash as the starter.
Levis played in more of a pro-style offense during his time at Kentucky, while Richardson’s inconsistency has some pundits believing he may be more of a project. Levis also had almost twice as many collegiate passing attempts by virtue of having an extra season as a starter.
Despite Colts GM Chris Ballard generally being conservative when it comes to trades, the organization still discussed the No. 1 pick with the Bears before it was dealt to the Panthers. Those reports didn’t necessarily paint the picture that Ballard was unwilling to pony up the necessary draft assets; rather, the front office was still in the process of evaluating the QB prospects and was not prepared to trade up three spots in the draft. In other words, there’s still a possibility the Colts move up the board, especially if they’re worried about a potential Cardinals trade partner stealing their preferred prospect.
Good luck to the Colts in getting their QOTF (Quarterback Of The Future) at draft pick #4.
Because the team’s last few moves to fill the position of Quarterback have been #2.
If the best player in the draft, Will Anderson, is there at 4. Take him. Let Minshew Mania rain dimes. Go winless and get the top pick next year.
Luck’s retirement truly put that franchise until a QB tailspin.
*into
Yea seriously, but I think it’s really the Colts that did it to themselves. They didn’t protect him, he took a ton of nasty hits. It adds up. Look at Jake Locker, not the type of pedigree, but quit for the same reason.
ZA2 – people always want to blame the colts for not protecting Luck; but the truth is Andrew was more of a football player than just a QB. When he took off he looked for someone to hit, most of his “nasty” hits were self-inflicted. That’s just the way he loved to play; then when a particular injury took 18 months to heal & rehab, he could no longer play the game like he did & lost his love for the game.
He’s a super intellectual person; who recently decided he wanted to teach HS & coach; so he & his family moved to Stanford, where he’s getting a Masters in Education. Not your typical pro football player.
Colts should not force the issue, the best thing that could happen to them is they struggle in ‘23 and end up with Williams or Maye and truly finally replace Luck.
Btw Levis is actually a good fit tbh in 21 when he was healthy he ran way more I presume the new coach could use him in RPOs and stuff like that.
Why would the Colts trade up when it’s very unlikely they are getting jumped?
While nothing is imminent, it’s far from very unlikely they don’t get jumped. Only takes one team to fall in love with one of the two QB not taken at the top. Or, Texans go rogue and pass on a QB at 2. The Cards’ phones would go berserk on draft night in that case. I think the Colts should pass on a QB at 4 and see what Minshew does for a season and if they suck, they will have a high pick next season. It’ll be interesting to see what happens regardless.
Asking for prayers… that seems to be a thing on Facebook. QB’s go 1, 2, 3, 4, the Seahawks select Jalen Carter, leaving Will Anderson for the Lions. Thank you in advance.
Hard to tell from what you see in pro day and combine pieces but out of them all, it wouldn’t surprise me if Levis surpasses the others ranked ahead of him where a pro career is concerned. Guy has size, strength and a cannon of an arm
But in this modern era of the NFL, it’s more of a coin flip than its ever been when you’re talking about being a top 10 or 20 pick
It’s hard to say what Levis could actually be because he had quite possibly the worst O-line and skill players in the SEC. He made bad decisions from time to time but he was ALWAYS running for his life in that offense and had zero running game. He could very well turn into a top 5-10 QB in the NFL with the tools he has. But he could also burn out with his confidence being crushed by the weight of a losing season or two in Indy. That’s why I love the draft! Lol
I’m a Chris Ballard fan but it appears that he has been relegated to “lame duck” status with Irsay’s announcement that he (Irsay) will have the final say on all major decisions.