Anthony Richardson's Rookie of the Year Odds Revealed
The Indianapolis Colts made quarterback Anthony Richardson their top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday night, and the move was met with much applause from fans and analysts alike.
Apparently, Las Vegas likes the move as well, as Richardson has been given the third-best betting odds to win the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award, according to SportsBetting.ag.
Richardson currently holds 7-1 odds, which ranks behind Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (3-1) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (4-1), and just ahead of Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (8-1).
Richardson (6'4", 244, 20 years old) is going into one of the most advantageous situations for his development in Indianapolis. After starting just 13 games in college, he is now matched with new Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who already has a reputation for getting the most out of his young quarterbacks and helping players develop. In 2020, Steichen helped Justin Herbert earn Offensive Rookie of the Year, and last season he coached Jalen Hurts to second in NFL MVP voting in the quarterback's second season as a starter.
Richardson brings an imposing physical presence, testing as the most athletic quarterback in pre-draft measurement in NFL history, so any playing time he gets as a rookie is certain to feature his scrambling abilities.
Will he be the starter initially, or even early, though? Colts general manager Chris Ballard says to give Richardson time.
“He’s got to come in and earn his way like every player we bring in," Ballard said following the first round. "Let’s not expect him to be Superman from day one. I think history has shown there’s not many of them that are Superman from day one. Some of them it takes two, three years for them to become a really good player."
"We’ve got to let these guys develop and play," Ballard continued. "They’re going to have some struggles and then they’ve got to work through the struggles and eventually, their talent, the more they play, their talent will come to life.”
The Colts have no pressure to rush Richardson into the starting lineup after signing free-agent quarterback Gardner Minshew this offseason.
Will Richardson play enough to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors? Perhaps, but it's anything but a certainty.
More from Horseshoe Huddle:
- Shane Steichen Gets His Mobile Quarterback in Anthony Richardson: Film Room
- Making the Grade: Colts Receive High Marks for Richardson Pick
- Anthony Richardson 'Ready to Carry the Torch' of Great Colts QBs
- Steichen: Richardson's Character 'Right at the Top of the List'
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