The Indianapolis Colts have an intriguing core of players leading the franchise into the future, and often times that will be measured by a team’s trio at quarterback, running back and wide receiver.
While having an elite option at the quarterback position can mask several deficiencies on the offensive side of the ball, it’s important to have strength in the other areas as well.
CBS Sports put together a panel of analysts to rank each team’s “triplets.” In their words, “grading the expected starters at quarterback and running back and their presumed top pass-catcher for the 2023 NFL season.”
The Colts came in at No. 24 overall, which isn’t a surprise considering the addition of a rookie quarterback. Each team was given an average ranking, along with noting their highest and lowest ranking.
24. Indianapolis Colts (Avg: 24.6, High: 16, Low: 30)
Last year: 15thQB: Anthony Richardson RB: Jonathan Taylor WR: Michael Pittman
Richardson seems likely to be a fantasy football star in short order given his outrageous athleticism and rushing ability, but he may take a while longer to come along as a passer. Armed with Taylor to augment his skills in the run game and Pittman (and Alec Pierce) on the outside to make contested catches and take advantage of YAC opportunities, though, the immediate floor might be a bit higher than people would think for a player with his skill set. (Still, one vote as high as No. 16 seems a bit optimistic.)
As we’ve said plenty of times this offseason, the Colts are a difficult team to have a solidified outlook on. The unknowns surrounding Richardson’s developments and timeline as a starter make a prediction nearly impossible.
Both Taylor and Pittman Jr. are entering contract years and both are coming off injuries. Taylor had offseason ankle surgery to correct the nagging issue he dealt with in 2022 while Pittman Jr. is dealing with a hip injury that he played through last season.
As is the case for most teams, it all comes down to the quarterback position.
This ranking could look spot on if Richardson endures more growing pains than expected. Or this ranking could look far too low if he turns out to be a pleasant surprise in Year 1.
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