NFL Power Rankings: Colts on the Move after Big Draft

The Indianapolis Colts had a very successful NFL Draft according to pundits around the league. NFL.com gave the Colts an 'A', and PFF gave the Colts an 'A+'. Both grades were the highest marks given by either publication.

After a relatively quiet free agent period, Indianapolis finds itself on the move in NFL.com's Post NFL Draft Power Rankings, up three spots to No. 28.

Granted at No. 31 the Colts had almost nowhere to go but up, but the Arizona Cardinals started at No. 32 and finished at No. 32.

The Colts have an exciting new identity. Quarterback Anthony Richardson brings his completely unique level of athleticism to the NFL as the new face of football in Indianapolis. This is welcome whiplash for Colts fans who just came off a disastrous season of late-period Matt Ryan and his statue-like presence in the pocket. Back to Richardson: Colts owner Jim Irsay told NFL Media's Judy Battista that Richardson would likely have been the pick even if Indy had been No. 1 on the draft board. This is the kind of thing that teams say all the time, but you believe it with Irsay: The Colts desperately wanted to wipe the slate clean and start anew -- the idea of Richardson's absurd athleticism lighting Lucas Oil Stadium ablaze on Sundays gets the job done and then some. -- Dan Hanzus, NFL.com

Richardson is a raw, uber-talented quarterback who is unrefined as a passer. He hit on just 53% of his passes in his only season as a starter with the Florida Gators.

But at 6'4 and 245 pounds with a 4.4 forty-yard dash, better than a 40" inch vertical leap and a strong arm, the Colts are excited to see what quarterback-whisperer Shane Steichen can do with Richardson over the long haul.

Hanzus makes no mention of the other players who can help the Colts next season. He has a tendency to get fixated on the quarterback position.

The Colts got top marks from NFL.com and PFF for their picks beyond Richardson. Julius Brents, Josh Downs, and Adetomiwa Adebawore are just a few of the 12 picks that should see a lot of action next season.

In the end, NFL Power Rankings won't win a single game in 2023, but being on the rise is a reflection of good work being done during the offseason.

Winning will take care of the power rankings during the season.

Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft picks

1st: Florida QB Anthony Richardson (No. 4 overall)
2nd: Kansas State DB Julius Brents (No. 44)
3rd: North Carolina WR Josh Downs (No. 79)
4th: BYU OT Blake Freeland (No. 106)
4th: Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore (No. 110)
5th: South Carolina CB Darius Rush (No. 138)
5th: Cal S Daniel Scott (No. 158)
5th: Miami TE Will Mallory (No. 162)
5th: Northwestern RB Evan Hull (No. 176)
6th: Wagner edge Titus Leo (No. 211)
7th: Texas A&M CB Jaylon Jones (No. 221)
7th: Northern Michigan OT Jake Witt (No. 236)