Chris Simms put together his ranking of the NFL’s top 40 quarterbacks ahead of the 2024 season–a list that can draw the ire of many fan bases. So where does he have the Indianapolis Colts’ Anthony Richardson (and Joe Flacco) landing?
Richardson brings big play ability with his legs and has elite arm strength. In a small sample size of four games last season, we saw his playmaking ability and improvement as he adapted to the NFL game taking place. Richardson would complete 50 of his 84 pass attempts for 577 yards with three touchdowns to one interception. He also rushed for another 136 yards and four touchdowns.
However, with only 98 career dropbacks, Richardson is still an inexperienced player, and with that comes some unknowns. There is likely still going to be a learning curve that he will have to navigate this season, but to what degree remains to be seen.
With that said, the recipe for a successful second season for Richardson is certainly there as he enters an ideal situation to make a Year 2 jump. For one, he’s uber-talented, but it’s not as if he has to do it all on his own, either.
Richardson will be playing behind one of the best offensive line units in football. Around him at the skill positions will be Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman, Adonai Mitchell, and Josh Downs. There is also the added familiarity and continuity of being in Shane Steichen’s offense for a second season–a system that has proven to be quarterback-friendly.
“I really believe Anthony Richardson can take a big leap this year for a number of reasons,” said Mina Kimes on ESPN’s NFL Live. “One, Shane Steichen confirmed last season what we all believed when he was hired from Philadelphia: he is a brilliant play-caller. Remarkably quarterback-friendly offense for Gardner Minshew despite some up-and-down play from the quarterback.”
Now, on to Simms’ quarterback rankings from No. 1 through No. 40:
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws in the second quarter during Super Bowl 56 against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. The Cincinnati Bengals lost, 23-30.
4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 07, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
5. Matthew Stafford, LA Rams
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 01: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks to pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
6. Justin Herbert, LA Chargers
Dec 26, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) look toward the sideline during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
7. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
8. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Nov 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) warms up before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
9. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
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10. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
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11. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
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12. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Jun 3, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) shown in action on the field during Falcons OTA at the Falcons Training facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
13. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Dec 25, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) warms up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
14. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
Aug 26, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws a pass against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
15. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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16. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
17. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
January 1, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws as offensive tackle Daniel Brunskill (60) provides coverage against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
18. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
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19. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
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20. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Jun 5, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes the ball during the team’s minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
21. Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 6: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to pass during the Pittsburgh Steelers OTA offseason workout at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 6 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
22. Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
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23. Daniel Jones, NY Giants
Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
24. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
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25. Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 6: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the Pittsburgh Steelers OTA offseason workout at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 6 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
26. Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
27. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Jun 3, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr (9) throws the ball during Falcons OTA at the Falcons Training facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
28. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Jun 5, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes a ball during an OTA workout at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
29. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
May 23, 2024; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) and quarterback Bo Nix (10) during organized team activities at Centura Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
30. J. J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
EAGAN, MINNESOTA – JUNE 04: Quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy #9, Sam Darnold #14 and Nick Mullens #12 of the Minnesota Vikings watch the drill during Minnesota Vikings mandatory minicamp at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on June 04, 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota.(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
31. Ryan Tannehill (Free Agent)
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
32. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
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33. Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
EAGAN, MINNESOTA – JUNE 04: Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings throws the ball during Minnesota Vikings mandatory minicamp at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on June 04, 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota.(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
34. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
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35. Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns
Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) participates in quarterback drills with Tyler Huntley during minicamp, Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Berea.
36. Jacoby Brissett, New England Patriots
Jun 10, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (14) hands the ball to running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
37. Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts
Colts quarterbacks, Anthony Richardson, from left, Joe Flacco and Kedon Slovis wait for the next drill during Indianapolis Colts minicamp practice Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
38. Kenny Pickett, Philadelphia Eagles
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39. Gardner Minshew, Las Vegas Raiders
HENDERSON, NEVADA – MAY 29: Quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs through a drill during an OTA offseason workout at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on May 29, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
40. Jarrett Stidham, Denver Broncos
May 23, 2024; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson (4) and quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) during organized team activities at Centura Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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