Anthony Richardson Is a 'Cross Between Lamar Jackson and Cam Newton,' Rival Scout Says
NFL fans didn't get to see much of Anthony Richardson last year, as his promising rookie season was derailed by a shoulder injury.
But as he returns for his sophomore campaign at full strength, Richardson still has all of the lofty potential that made him the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
“Saw enough out of Anthony Richardson to understand he’s a cross between Lamar Jackson and Cam Newton as a runner and has some real upside as a passer," a rival scout told Athlon Sports for this year's NFL preview magazine, on sale at newsstands now. "If he played a full season, I think he would have been challenging C.J. Stroud for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year."
In just four games as a rookie last season, Anthony Richardson accounted for seven total touchdowns (three passing, four rushing).
© Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
Richardson isn't the only blue-chip talent the Colts have returning on offense this year, either. Running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. both earned big contract extensions recently, and while the offensive line may not be as good as advertised, there are some quiet values elsewhere on that side of the ball that should help Indy be a better team in 2024.
"Jonathan Taylor has his moments where he looks like he’s worth every dollar of that big contract. He just needs to stay consistent and healthy," the rival scout said. "Michael Pittman Jr. deserved that new contract. He’s so tough to cover. ... Quenton Nelson’s reputation is better than his play right now. ... This is an underachieving offensive line overall. ... Having Joe Flacco backup Richardson was a smart move by GM Chris Ballard. ... Alec Pierce isn’t flashy, but, boy, is he good."
On defense, the Colts are solid throughout the front seven thanks to some key veterans, and there's young talent with untapped potential in the secondary that could take that unit to another level in 2024.
"DeForest Buckner causes offensive lines all kinds of trouble," the scout said. "Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam bring a lot of heat off the edge. ... Zaire Franklin is intelligent and tough inside. ... Grant Stuard is a smaller ’backer, but he’s gritty and can run. ... I liked that they brought back Kenny Moore II. He’s always around the football. ... JuJu Brents struggled in single coverage in big games, getting beat by Nico Collins. He’s long and fast and just needs more coaching."
"Matt Gay is a money kicker," the scout added about the Colts' special teams units.
The Colts will likely go as Richardson goes this year, as his return from a season-ending injury will be the biggest question the team has to answer. But he's clearly talented enough to become a superstar if he can stay healthy, and the Colts have a quality supporting cast around him in all three phases, as well as a quality coaching staff.
All of that should add up to a much-improved team in 2024, with a bright future beyond if Richardson can hit his ceiling.
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