7- Round Colts Mock Draft: Anthony Richardson Joins Shane Steichen in Indy

The Indianapolis Colts have named Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen as the team’s next head coach. What should Indy do to reverse course and get back to playoff football? The latest 7-round mock draft has your answer!

Shane Steichen is a 37-year-old who began his coaching career with the Louisville Cardinals as an assistant in 2010. The following season would see Steichen enter the NFL ranks, taking on the role of defensive assistant with the Chargers.

He remained with the Chargers through 2020, outside of one lone season with the Cleveland Browns in 2013. In his decade on the west coast, Steichen developed positive relationships throughout the league.

Steichen crossed paths with a former Colts head coach during his stint with the Bolts, serving as an assistant under then-Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich. Going further, Steichen spent four seasons in the same locker room as current Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

Another selling point outside his strong connections around the league is his track record with quarterbacks. From Philip Rivers to Justin Herbert to Jalen Hurts, Steichen played a crucial role in developing the latter two names.

With the Colts at No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, they are in a prime position to add a rookie signal-caller. If Steichen’s track record is any indication, expect some impressive staff hires and a home run swing for a franchise quarterback.

7- Round Colts Mock Draft: Anthony Richardson Joins Shane Steichen in Indy

After years of trying to fix other teams’ damaged goods at quarterback, general manager Chris Ballard knows it is time for a change. The Steichen signing is step one; giving him the personnel to build his system on offense is the next step of the process.

Without further ado, let’s get a 7-round mock draft rolling. Can the Colts throw together an offseason that puts them back in contention for the AFC South title?

Round 1, No. 4: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

I have pushed the Richardson-Colts pairing for a month or two now, but the hiring of Shane Steichen further amplifies this thought. Richardson is a moldable ball of clay, much like Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts as they entered the league.

Steichen turned both guys into superstars by taking what they do well and building an entire scheme around it. With Richardson, this commitment is what it will take to reach his true potential.

Even after an underwhelming 2022 season, the Colts are not devoid of talent on the offensive side of the ball. The offensive line needs some help, no doubt, but it is better than it showed last season. The weaponry is impressive; Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Jelani Woods, etc.

Slot Richardson into the QB1 role and trust the new head coach to put him in a position to succeed as a rookie. A run-heavy approach allowing Richardson to make reads in the run game makes for a safer floor than you might expect.

Growing pains will be present, as Richardson has some work to do with his mechanics and overall feel for the game. After watching the playoffs this season, the Colts need to bet on high-end talent at the position if they want to bridge the gap between the bottom and top of the AFC. This mock draft is a start.