The Indianapolis Colts have made it clear they plan to use their top pick on a quarterback. With the 2023 NFL Draft just days away, it appears Indianapolis is ready to make its selection with a high level of confidence its top target will be available.
With the Carolina Panthers expected to use the first overall pick on Bryce Young, the Colts will have an opportunity to draft one of the other top quarterback prospects. Indianapolis has met with Will Levis, Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud, with all three signal-callers viewed as reasonable fits for the offense.
Related: Indianapolis Colts mock draft 2023
Amid increasing chatter of the Houston Texans drafting Will Anderson Jr with the second pick, the Colts’ odds of landing their second-highest-graded quarterback with the fourth pick have increased. As draft day nears, there is unwavering confidence out of Indianapolis.
During an appearance on Get Up, ESPN NFL reporter Dianna Russini said she believes the Colts aren’t interested in trading up because they are comfortable in their belief that their top quarterback will be available with the fourth pick.
“From what I can gather, after having a few conversations, they are not looking to trade up to get a quarterback. They feel real comfortable that the quarterback that they like, we don’t know who that is just yet. We know that Will Levis is a quarterback that they met with, and that he did get some good reviews, but they feel that the guy that they want will be there.”
Dianna Russini on Indianapolis Colts’ draft plans
Related: NFL insider reveals Indianapolis Colts draft board at QB
Various NFL mock drafts have sent different quarterbacks to the Colts. Stroud would provide the head coach with a pro-ready starter and he could tailor his offense in a similar fashion as he did for Justin Herbert during his record-setting rookie season.
While Richardson isn’t as accurate or mechanically sound as Stroud, he provides a much higher ceiling. Shane Steichen could model the Colts’ offense after what he built for the Philadephia Eagles with Jalen Hurts, potentially doing even more because of Richardson’s superior skills.
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However, per Peter Schrager, there are whispers around the NFL that Levis is who the Colts will draft. The former Kentucky quarterback reportedly had a great visit with Indianapolis and is viewed as an excellent fit for Steichen’s offense.
If Levis is the quarterback the Colts are after, they should be extremely confident he is available with the fourth pick. In a divisive 2023 draft class, Indianapolis seems to be the team highest on Levis this year.
