IF someone were to trade up and take Richardson at #1 the pressure to start him right away would be enormous.
That would be a huge mistake the kid needs a redshirt going to QB school year before he steps on the field, if not more time than that.
I don't think so. He'll have growing pains, but apart from just gaining reps experience, he really just needs to add consistency to his footwork - cut out the heel clicks and stay off his toes.
He wasn't in a one-read or half-field read offense at Florida. Though he's inexperienced, the experience he does have translates. He's also excellent at avoiding sacks. It's one of the reasons his completion percentage is so low. The other main reason is the offense and surrounding talent. His OL gave up quick and consistent pressure, his WR's were very bad, and the route concepts had guys in the same area way too often. His aforementioned mechanical inconsistencies were the other reason, but the degree of difficulty on his throws were higher than the other QB's toward the top.
If he goes to the Colts and runs an offense similar to the one Philadelphia ran the last couple years, he'll be able to make plays and move the ball early. But, even if he has a tough time initially, I don't think it will ruin him. Josh Allen had a terrible rookie year and a rough 2nd year, and he's turned out alright. His pocket presence and avoidance of negative plays is certainly better than Allen's out of Wyoming, and his accuracy is no worse. Like Allen, Richardson has a beautiful throwing motion. Just has to add consistency to his lower half.
But, if you're the Colts, you have Taylor, Pittman, and Jelani Woods, and Taylor might run for 6 yards per carry with Richardson at QB. Pittman and Woods would be nice fits for his game, too. They still need WR help, but I think that group would move the ball pretty well - even with Richardson growing into the player he will be.
Not saying you have to start him right away, but I don't think immediate action will ruin him. For me, the decision would come down to: is the surrounding talent good enough for his reps to be beneficial? Would he be learning the right lessons?
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