With the conclusion of the NFL Draft, we know what to expect for this season’s depth chart. However, what we don’t know is how each position will play out, what players will shine and which ones will fall. Since the draft has concluded, and we’ve seen some exciting moves in free agency, we can expect some interesting battles. We already know there are some exciting position battles to look for this season, so let’s take a closer look at the Indianapolis Colts’ position battles.
Quarterbacks – Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones
When it comes to the Colts’ roster, the featured battle is certainly between the two quarterbacks: Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. While Daniel Jones is getting the starting nod, Anthony Richardson can certainly earn the position later on through the year. Daniel Jones struggled last season keeping the QB1 position, and I think in the Colts’ offense, he will have similar problems. While on paper, DJ looks like the better QB from last year (throwing for 200 more yards and 4 less interceptions in 1 less game), but you could argue AR has the better intangibles.
ARs success is going to come from his legs, which is where DJ struggles. Richardson’s 5.8 Y/A on his feet add a layer to his game that DJ doesn’t have, opening up the playbook a lot especially with the full-time return of Jonathan Taylor. Richardson has also already built his connection with receiver Josh Downs, who I think we’ll be seeing a lot of next year. Daniel Jones does have better accuracy, however, his interception problem is similar.
Personally, I think Anthony Richardson fits better into the Colts’ offensive scheme, but Daniel Jones could make a jump.
Wide Receivers – Adonai Mitchell
The wide receiver room is pretty stacked all things considered for the Colts, so it will be interesting to see where Adonai Mitchell falls in the depth chart. The biggest problem for Adonai was his connection with the QB room. The separation was there, he had decent footwork, and he was able to get open, but could never connect with the QB. Specifically remembering several times within the first few weeks of the Colts’ season where a wide Adonai was missed.
With the emergence of Josh Downs taking a big step last year, and Pittman and Pierce also performing well, Adonai may slip down the depth chart. I think the most interesting thing to look out for will be how well Adonai can connect with Daniel Jones starting in next season. I really think Adonai can succeed in the Colts’ offense, especially as a middle of the field threat. He has an elite release and even better speed, and with a more accurate quarterback, I would like to see Adonai succeed.
The biggest problems come from the increased role of Josh Downs, which will cause Adonai to slip down to the wide receiver four spot, and the drafting of Tyler Warren, which will give the Colts a more reliable pass catcher.
