The 2024 NFL Draft is right around the corner. There are a few areas that the Indianapolis Colts need to address like cornerback and wide receiver. But what about quarterback?
This time last year, the Colts were in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis were the top four quarterback prospects in the 2023 draft.
The Carolina Panthers wound up taking Young with the first overall pick. Stroud went No. 2 to the Houston Texans. With the fourth overall pick, the Colts passed up Levis and selected Richardson. Meanwhile, Levis slipped to the second round and was drafted by the Tennessee Titans.
Indianapolis is building around Richardson. But perhaps the team should take a quarterback late in the draft to provide depth.
Should the Indianapolis Colts Select a Quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Anthony Richardson is the Face of the Franchise
Without a doubt, Richardson is the Colts’ QB1. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
The former Florida Gator could’ve won Rookie of the Year or finished as a finalist for the award if his debut season wasn’t cut short. He went down with a season-ending shoulder injury during the Week 5 win over the Titans.
Richardson looked like a future superstar before the injury. The 6-foot-4, 244-pounder showcased his cannon arm and ability to run the football. Unfortunately, he couldn’t manage to stay healthy.
Richardson is the starter, but that doesn’t mean the Colts shouldn’t build their quarterback room. It’s unclear who Richardson’s backup will be next season. Gardner Minshew, who replaced Richardson and made the Pro Bowl this past season, is a free agent. He could very well sign with another team, landing a starting job.
If Minshew leaves, the Colts will likely sign a free agent like Jacoby Brissett or Tyler Huntley. The team could then draft someone to compete with Sam Ehlinger for the third quarterback spot.
The Colts Could Land the Next Brock Purdy
Indianapolis will not draft Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, or J.J. McCarthy. Those four are expected to be first-round quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. If the Colts do draft a signal-caller, they will likely use a sixth or seventh-round pick on someone like Florida State’s Jordan Travis or Kentucky’s Drew Leary.
Brock Purdy is proof that you can land a star late in the draft. The Iowa State product was the final pick in the 2022 draft (seventh round, pick 262).
As a rookie, Purdy replaced the injured duo of Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo and helped the San Francisco 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game. This past season, he emerged as an NFL MVP candidate and powered the Niners all the way to the Super Bowl. They, of course, fell to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Taking a quarterback late in the draft wouldn’t be a silly move by the Colts. That player could develop into a quality backup. There’s also a chance he could eventually become the starter if Richardson continues to get hurt.
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