The Indianapolis Colts training camp starts on Wednesday, July 26th and for the first time since 2012, the Colts have a rookie QB to develop into the future of the franchise.

Unlike in 2012, though, there are many questions surrounding the Colts young QB. If Anthony Richardson is going to be everything that the Indianapolis Colts believe he can be and hope to be, he will need major improvement in some key areas.

1). Accuracy

First and foremost, the makeup of a good QB in the NFL is accuracy. This goes beyond just hitting a receiver between the numbers when he is open. Instead, it is throwing to an area where a receiver is expected to be while also putting the ball in a spot where he can make the best play. There is an anticipation element to accuracy and a ball placement element to accuracy.

In his short college career, Richardson did not show promising signs that he can make anticipation throws and put the ball the in the best spot. In the 12 games he started for the Florida Gators last year, Richardson completed 53.8% of his passes and in 4 of those games, he completed less than 50%.

Completion percentage does not always tell the whole story, but the game film does. In several tapes and scouting reports, the consistent conclusion is that Richardson needs to work on his accuracy. He has, though, shown abilities to be pinpoint accurate on the run

Another example of the inconsistent accuracy from Anthony Richardson. #NFLDraft #HTTC🫡 pic.twitter.com/k43036bCdI

— The Podfather (@TheBurgundyZone) April 5, 2023

2). Foot Work

This one is probably the most glaring areas of improvement for Richardson as he has shown a tendency to be flat-footed and sloppy in the pocket. At times his bad footwork has produced pretty throws, but to be a top QB at the NFL level, good and consistent footwork is key.

#Colts QBs Gardner Minshew, Sam Ehlinger and Anthony Richardson sharpening their footwork. Richardson slipped at the end of his rep but still delivered the throw. pic.twitter.com/yFCB6EwPN7

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) June 14, 2023

Another impressive throw by Anthony Richardson from the pocket under pressure late in the game.

Stands tall, flicks his wrist as he's getting hit and drops it in the bucket from the far-hash to his WR in an area of defenders.

The FSU defenders however jarred it free. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/eKQEHtlDv6

— WBG84 (@WBG84) November 26, 2022

3). Pocket Awareness

By instinct, Anthony Richardson is a running QB – very similar to Lamar Jackson and Justin Fields. One of the glaring issues that have come up with running QBs is whether they can beat defenses with their arm. Justin Fields has yet to answer that question and Lamar Jackson has slowly peeled away at that disparagement.

For Anthony Richardson, if he wants to be a deadly QB, he will need to develop skills in the pocket. We know that he is dangerous outside the pocket but if teams keep him contained, can he scour the field and pick apart corners and safeties? This is what I mean by pocket awareness. It’s being able to remain in the pocket and be aware of what is going on down the field in order to make a split second decision on where to throw the ball.

If Richardson wants to be great, he’ll need to have good pocket awareness.

4). Layups

Yes, this is a basketball term, but in the sense I am using it, it refers to doing simple things well. The most exciting factor about Richardson is his explosive abilities with long runs and deep passes. While explosive plays excite teammates and coaches, it is the simple plays that keep offenses on the field and limit turnovers.

Here are a several things I would like to see Richardson do consistently his first year

1. If the play isn’t there, throw the ball away
2. If the check down gets a minimal gain, go with the check down instead of forcing the ball
3. If the defense gives up the edge, don’t force the ball toward the middle of the field. (This is where we can see those explosive runs).
4. If the o-line gives you time, don’t go for the home run ball so quickly. Take time in the pocket to survey the field

Bottom line – Anthony Richardson possesses all of the physical abilities to be great and even elite in this league. That being said, he needs to put in work to get better in several key areas. He is no Andrew Luck or Joe Burrow in which he is ready day one to be great. The Anthony Richardson project is just that – a project. It’s going to take time and patience but hopefully it will all be worth it in another 2-3 years.