10 Bold Predictions for the 2024 NFL Season

Anthony Richardson is unlike anything the NFL has ever seen at quarterback.

“He’s like a created player,” Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell told reporters at minicamp. “He’s like one of them players that can legit do anything on the field. You talk about arm strength? Crazy arm strength. This man can roll right, throw on the opposite hash to the left. It’s a lot of stuff I ain’t seen before.”

The previous statements aren’t hyperbole, either. Richardson is bigger than Lamar Jackson, faster than Cam Newton and has more juice in his arm than Jalen Hurts. The physical profile is literally off-the-charts.

What Richardson isn’t given enough credit for is his feel for the pocket and understanding of where to go with the football. Too often, his status was undermined publicly by those who didn’t really break down what he did during games and instead relied too heavily on limited starting experience and underwhelming numbers at the collegiate level.

The real issue for Richardson at this point isn’t playing from the pocket; it’s staying healthy once he leaves those confines. The 2023 fourth overall pick flashed special talent during his first four professional appearances. But his rookie campaign abruptly ended because of a shoulder injury. It wasn’t the only injury Richardson endured during that small sample size.

As long as the sophomore signal-caller learns how to protect himself, he can shine. The Colts have an underrated surrounding cast, with wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Mitchell, massive tight ends, running back Jonathan Taylor and one of the game’s best offensive lines. Also, head coach Shane Steichen happens to be one of the league’s best offensive play-callers.

The sky is the limit for a healthy Richardson, which means a breakout season should catapult him into MVP status.