Colts star Quenton Nelson makes feelings clear on Anthony Richardson

04 May 2023 , 21:32

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Anthony Richardson appears to have the backing of the team's captain

One of the best offensive lineman in the league, Quenton Nelson and the Indianapolis Colts o-line have been let down by poor quarterback play in recent years.

The Colts are set to start their sixth different quarterback in the last six seasons, getting below average play from everyone not named Andrew Luck - after he retired in 2018.

It's an ideal spot for any quarterback to thrive in, with a dominant offensive line, explosive running back and solid group of receivers. However, no quarterback has been able to take the Colts to a playoff win since Luck.

The team are in desperate need of someone to come in and be just good enough to steer the ship - with many believing that man to be Kentucky's Will Levis.

Seen as the most 'NFL ready' quarterback in last week's draft, Levis has already proven to be a capable passer in a pro-style offense, after playing under Los Angeles Rams playcaller Liam Coen.

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But instead, the Colts selected Anthony Richardson - an incredibly raw prospect, with high potential due to his extreme athleticism and right arm.

The former Florida gunslinger has all the tools, which he showed at the Scouting Combine when he set records for the broad jump (10 feet, 9 inches) and the vertical jump (40½ inches), before running an incredible 4.44 40-time at 244 lbs.

But with only one year of starting experience and being just 20 years old, some believe Richardson might have to sit for as long as two years to work on his mechanical issues throwing the football and limiting mistakes.

Quenton Nelson

However, Nelson is confident in Richardson's ability to come in and lead the team to success from the jump.

Speaking to the media this week, Nelson said: "Yeah, really excited. Just heard great things about him, and his character, and person he is. And then seeing his film, you see what can do on the field is pretty extraordinary. He dominated the combine and did really well in college football this year."

Richardson's ability to run the football might be perfectly suited to the Colts, who have an offensive line built to rush as well as any other team in the league.

And the team's general manager has already indicated that Richardson could be the starter from day one.

Charlie Wilson