INDIANAPOLIS – Anthony Richardson is gearing up for a significant step forward.
As Colts OTAs kick off this week, Richardson is expected to participate in his first 11-on-11 drills since his rookie season was cut short on October 8, 2024, due to season-ending right shoulder surgery.
Private quarterbacks coach Will Hewlett, who has worked extensively with Richardson in the offseason, has a good sense of what to expect from Richardson in his return.
“Despite the limited play, Richardson gained enough experience to build real confidence,” Hewlett said. “There’s a certain aura about him now. He proved he could perform at a high level. He’s excited about his progress.
“This offseason, even coming off an injury, he’s feeling positive about his trajectory. There will always be questions after surgery, but we’re many steps ahead of where we were last year.”
Hewlett’s focus with Richardson has been on improving his ability to control the velocity of his throws and ensuring his footwork is tied to his progressions. He’s pleased with the progress Richardson has made, particularly in refining his lower body mechanics.
“There was a narrative that he couldn’t throw without hitting the dirt, but that wasn’t true,” Hewlett said. “He’s worked extremely hard to perfect his craft. He tightened up some areas and made significant progress last offseason, and we’ve continued that work despite the injury.”
Richardson has expressed a desire to improve his throws over the middle, often likened to those made by Brock Purdy. A standout example from last year was his pass to Josh Downs in the Rams game.
Hewlett, who runs the QB Collective in Florida, has worked with other quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, Brock Purdy, and Gardner Minshew. He disagrees with the notion that Richardson is primarily a runner.
“I don’t think Anthony should be categorized as a guy who runs before he throws,” Hewlett said. “He’s excellent in the pocket and navigates pressure well. He just happens to be an exceptional athlete, so the Colts would be wise to utilize his running ability.”
Colts GM Chris Ballard agrees with this assessment. After observing Richardson’s 173 rookie snaps, Ballard believes the athlete can develop into a legitimate passer in the NFL.
With OTAs underway, we will soon see Richardson’s progress post-shoulder surgery, and those closest to him are eager to watch it unfold.
