The Indianapolis Colts are widely expected to use the fourth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on a quarterback. As the countdown to the decision draws closer, it’s becoming more evident who the Colts will draft in 2023.
Indianapolis is in a favorable position thanks to the depth of the 2023 draft class. Four quarterbacks – Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis – are all viewed as top-10 talents in this year’s draft class.
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While the Colts fell short of acquiring the first overall pick, general manager Chris Ballard recently explained why, Indianapolis is still in a favorable spot. Even if the Arizona Cardinals trade the third overall pick and three consecutive quarterbacks are drafted, the Colts could still pick a franchise-caliber passer.
However, every NFL team has strong preferences when it comes to the 2023 quarterback class. Carolina reportedly prefers one option, which could have a domino effect on Houston and Arizona’s plans with their selections. As for Indianapolis, there is reportedly a clear order on its draft board.
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According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, the Colts have Levis ahead of Richardson on their big board for the 2023 NFL Draft. It’s believed that both quarterbacks are just below Stroud and Young, with neither of the top passers expected to be available at the fourth overall pick.
While Indianapolis could trade up in an attempt to get Stroud or Young if either falls, it’s reportedly unlikely. The talk around the NFL is that the Colts aren’t going to move up, instead feeling comfortable with the likelihood that Levis is available with the fourth pick.
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Sportsnaut’s evaluation is quite a bit different than the Colts’ final board. In our 2023 NFL Draft prospect rankings, Richardson lands as the sixth-best player in the draft class. Meanwhile, Levis ranks as the 17th-best player on our top 50 board.
Indianapolis reportedly believes Levis is more pro-ready than Richardson, a sign that the former Kentucky Wildcats quarterback would be heavily favored to start in Week 1 over Gardner Minshew. While several NFL teams might disagree with the Colts’ evaluation, there is a shared belief around the league that Levis perfectly fits what Indianapolis wants.
If Levis is drafted by the Colts, he will have an excellent opportunity to learn from head coach Shane Steichen. Considering Steichen’s track record of success with Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts, it bodes well for Levis’s development.