Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.
Below you will find a post-draft roundup for the Indianapolis Colts in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.
ESPN -- Rank: 29
Most improved: Quarterback
This might seem like an audacious claim seeing how the No. 4 overall draft pick, Anthony Richardson, is still a long way from taking his first snap. But the reality is the Colts' offseason has been defined by its lack of major upgrades from last season's 4-12-1 campaign. The selection of Richardson represents the biggest investment in resources the Colts have made. For the record, kicker Matt Gay -- a 2021 Pro Bowl selection signed by the Colts in March -- should bring consistency to a position that has been unstable for Indianapolis.
This might seem like an audacious claim seeing how the No. 4 overall draft pick, Anthony Richardson, is still a long way from taking his first snap. But the reality is the Colts' offseason has been defined by its lack of major upgrades from last season's 4-12-1 campaign. The selection of Richardson represents the biggest investment in resources the Colts have made. For the record, kicker Matt Gay -- a 2021 Pro Bowl selection signed by the Colts in March -- should bring consistency to a position that has been unstable for Indianapolis.
NFL.com -- Rank: 28
The Colts have an exciting new identity. Quarterback Anthony Richardson brings his completely unique level of athleticism to the NFL as the new face of football in Indianapolis. This is welcome whiplash for Colts fans who just came off a disastrous season of late-period Matt Ryan and his statue-like presence in the pocket. Back to Richardson: Colts owner Jim Irsay told NFL Media's Judy Battista that Richardson would likely have been the pick even if Indy had been No. 1 on the draft board. This is the kind of thing that teams say all the time, but you believe it with Irsay: The Colts desperately wanted to wipe the slate clean and start anew -- the idea of Richardson's absurd athleticism lighting Lucas Oil Stadium ablaze on Sundays gets the job done and then some.
CBS Sports -- Rank: 29
Rookie Anthony Richardson will be the starter right away, and he has a ton of talent. But it might take some time for him to develop. That's OK. New coach Shane Steichen will be good for him.
USA Today -- Rank: 31
Given the division they play in, reasonable shot they double their win total in 2023 despite having (promising) rookies at head coach and quarterback.
The Athletic -- Rank: 28
Draft takeaway: Hope is restored in Indianapolis, where Richardson is probably the most appointment-viewing quarterback of the rookie class.
Hype man: Shane Steichen has already proven he can build an offense around a multi-talented young quarterback, and Jonathan Taylor is poised for a bounce-back season. With continuity on defense, where we finished in the top half of the league last year, we've got a fighting chance.
DeForest Downer: Richardson is definitely exciting, but he's so inexperienced the cliché of him being a couple of years away from being a couple of years away comes to mind.
Hype man: Shane Steichen has already proven he can build an offense around a multi-talented young quarterback, and Jonathan Taylor is poised for a bounce-back season. With continuity on defense, where we finished in the top half of the league last year, we've got a fighting chance.
DeForest Downer: Richardson is definitely exciting, but he's so inexperienced the cliché of him being a couple of years away from being a couple of years away comes to mind.
PFF -- Rank: 29
The Colts' free agency moves were largely underwhelming. They signed kicker Matt Gay to the largest free-agent contract for a kicker in NFL history despite facing far more pressing issues. They lost key players on defense, trading cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys and losing linebacker Bobby Okereke in free agency to the New York Giants, but they did add edge defender Samson Ebukam to a solid rotation of pass rushers. Ebukam was on a talented 49ers defense and will produce for the Colts.
With Indianapolis' quarterback job previously up for grabs between Gardner Minshew, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger, the team's 2023 outlook was grim. Anthony Richardson, their first-round pick, undoubtedly gives them more faith long term, but that may not translate right away in 2023. The Colts were one of the "winners" of the draft after selecting several high-ceiling, uber-athletic players, including Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents, Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore and Miami tight end Will Mallory, but it will likely take a year or two before this class can significantly impact the win column.
With Indianapolis' quarterback job previously up for grabs between Gardner Minshew, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger, the team's 2023 outlook was grim. Anthony Richardson, their first-round pick, undoubtedly gives them more faith long term, but that may not translate right away in 2023. The Colts were one of the "winners" of the draft after selecting several high-ceiling, uber-athletic players, including Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents, Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore and Miami tight end Will Mallory, but it will likely take a year or two before this class can significantly impact the win column.
PFT -- Rank: 26
There are more problems than the five-year revolving door at quarterback, so don't just laser-focus on when Anthony Richardson plays. See if Gus Bradley can mend an atrocious D that allowed 36.6 points a game after Dec. 1.
More Indianapolis Colts pages:
- Indianapolis Colts Mock Draft Roundup
- Indianapolis Colts 2023 NFL Draft Grades
- Indianapolis Colts Draft History
- Indianapolis Colts Schedule
- Indianapolis Colts Tickets
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