Anthony Richardson's Grade from NFL Execs

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was off to a fast start before suffering a concussion against the Houston Texans in Week 2.

Jeremy Fowler released an article on ESPN+ this week in which he asked NFL personnel to grade the three-rookie quarterbacks: Richardson, Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers, and C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans.

Fourteen quarterbacks were taken in the draft, but those are the only three to have attempted a pass.

Richardson got a 'B' for his early work on the season.

"It's a little bit of an incomplete grade here due to injury," wrote Fowler. "But Richardson has looked comfortable as a passer and on the move. He has a skillful offensive mind in head coach Shane Steichen to mold him."

Young received a 'C', and Stroud received an 'A'.

It's not surprising that several of the execs who spoke to Fowler worried about the punishment he subjects himself to.

"He's as tough as they come, but he has to protect himself from himself," an AFC executive told Fowler. "He's going to end up taking shots like Cam Newton did due to his size and skill set. That could end up being bad if they don't help him with the running game. The offensive line also has been shaky at times."

Asked what surprised them about Richardson this early in his career, and the answer Fowler got was his decisiveness.

"Their passing concepts are pretty simple right now, which is clearly to help him, but he's operating that well and seems to know what to do," the executive told Fowler. That can work against him on plays like his Week 1 interception, when he threw right to Jacksonville's Tyson Campbell, the Cover 2 corner sunk in man coverage.

"Defenses will throw complex stuff at him," the exec continued. "But from all that I've heard, he's been a fast learner there, so they can give him more."

An early grade of 'B' seems fair for Richardson with just half the playing time Young and Stroud have gotten. Gardner Minshew filled in admirably in an upset win over the Baltimore Ravens last week.

Richardson took a step towards the starting lineup by returning to practice this week. Gardner's good work gives the Colts the luxury of not rushing Richardson.

However, the Colts will be eager to get the rookie back into the starting lineup. He's ahead of schedule with his development, and with two winnable games coming up in Indianapolis, the Colts are ahead of schedule too.