Late Thursday afternoon the Indianapolis Colts signed QB Gardner Minshew to a one-year deal. This signing comes one day after the Colts released Matt Ryan. Indianapolis was considered a top option to move up to pick one before the Panthers made a deal with Chicago. Logic would say the Panthers will take a QB at one, probably CJ Stroud, and the Texans will take a QB at two, presumably Bryce Young. If that happens the Colts would be left to choose between Will Levis and Anthony Richardson. The signing of Minshew actually opens the door for multiple possibilities for the Colts with pick 4.
Draft a QB with Pick 4
Kentucky’s Will Levis clearly has a strong arm and a great personality, but there are questions about his overall ability. His athleticism was clearly seen in college, but his inability to lead a program to wins without dynamic skill players around him was seen as well. In the best case, scenario Levis has a Ryan Tannehill-type career, worst case, a Blake Bortles career.
Anthony Richardson has a huge up-side, but questions remain about his ability to help an NFL team immediately. Having Minshew as a bridge QB makes drafting Richardson more of a possibility at pick 4.
Help a Future QB with Pick 4
With two QBs off the board, and the Cardinals expected to select Will Anderson third, the Colts could pass on QB at 4, and go defense. Tyree Wilson or the fast-rising Nolan Smith could be options at 4. The Colts could also take their top-ranked Offensive Lineman with the pick.
By passing on a QB in the first round, the Colts could draft a QB later in the draft. Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker could be available at the top of round two. Hooker could sit behind Gardner Minshew for the season, and take over next season.
The Colts could also use the entire 2023 Draft to build the team in preparation for drafting a QB in 2024. Gardner Minshew may not be Peyton Manning, but he could provide the Colts time and options, so they do not have to reach for a QB with pick 4.
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