How Shane Steichen’s QB expertise could reflect in the Colts’ draft strategy

INDIANAPOLIS — As subsequent week’s NFL scouting mix approaches and the rumor mill cranks up, search for the Indianapolis Colts to be the topic of quite a few conversations.

The Colts want a quarterback answer within the worst means. And given their present place, sitting with the fourth general decide within the draft, that is the most effective alternative the staff has had since Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019 to resolve what’s develop into a recurring drawback.

So, in need of proprietor Jim Irsay dropping extra hints — he made a reference to probably buying and selling up and stated “the Alabama man [Bryce Young] doesn’t look unhealthy, I’ll inform ya” — we’re left to attempt to anticipate what the Colts are searching for of their seek for quarterback stability.

There’s drafting a quarterback, and there’s drafting the fitting quarterback. The Colts perceive the distinction.

“Y’all are going to have fun it and say ‘now we have received the savior for the Colts,’” normal supervisor Chris Ballard stated. “After which if he does not play nicely, [people will say] ‘Why’d you’re taking that man?’ You’ve received to be proper. We’ve received to be proper. We perceive the magnitude.”

The Colts face a choice with veteran Matt Ryan, who might be reduce for a $17 million financial savings or be retained as a mentor for a younger quarterback. Both means, the Colts don’t view him or backup Sam Ehlinger as their long-term franchise quarterback. That prospect is anticipated to return from this draft.

Now that the Colts have made a training rent, there may be extra to go on. Shane Steichen’s previous and offensive ideas will present some clues, as will the Colts’ draft historical past below Ballard.

Most vital here’s a level that can assist set the tone for all of this: Staff sources say the membership believes that Steichen’s offensive versatility creates extra choices on the place. His previous success with completely different kinds of quarterback play is compelling proof he can doubtlessly reach Indianapolis with any quarterback the Colts draft.

That, the Colts imagine, frees them as much as make the most effective choice no matter scheme match.

The place former coach Frank Reich’s scheme was a bit extra geared to a pocket passer, Steichen has proven he can coordinate an offense with a extra conventional fashion of quarterback (Justin Herbert) in addition to a dynamic dual-threat participant (Jalen Hurts). Steichen’s scheme can also be a bit extra player-friendly when it comes to complexity, which may make for a better transition for a younger quarterback.

Getting extra particular, Steichen offered a little bit of a clue of what he’s searching for throughout his introductory press convention final week. Requested an important qualities he seeks, he stated, “accuracy, choice making and the flexibility to create are the three issues that I have a look at in a quarterback. I feel these three issues are essential. However [also] the above the neck. The gamers that I’ve been round — Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Philip Rivers — all of them have one factor in widespread: They’re obsessive about their craft. And if you will discover that in a quarterback, you’re in all probability going to have some success.”

Taking all of this into consideration, we’re in a position to take an early have a look at how among the prime quarterbacks on this yr’s draft doubtlessly match with Indianapolis.

Steichen’s description really seems like a fairly correct breakdown of Younger, who’s usually lauded for his accuracy and pocket presence. And in relation to the “above the neck” attributes Steichen talked about, Younger has spectacular poise and makes good choices below strain. He’s not what anybody would take into account a working quarterback, however Younger is lots elusive and escapes strain to make off-schedule performs.

As for Ballard, he has famously adhered strictly to measurables with most of his draft picks. It’s one of many causes some have a troublesome time envisioning the Colts deciding on Younger regardless of his official measurement questions. He was listed at 6-feet and 194 kilos at Alabama, removed from perfect (official heights and weights might be revealed on the mix).

However Ballard has veered away from measurables in some notable situations. In 2018, for instance, the Colts chosen linebacker Shaquille Leonard and offensive sort out Braden Smith with consecutive picks. Leonard was thought of undersized by most, however went on to develop into an All-Professional. Equally, Smith’s quick arm size made him a poor candidate to play sort out in lots of groups’ assessments. However Smith turned a fixture at proper sort out and earned a $72 million extension in 2021.

Among the many quarterbacks Steichen has coached, Stroud in all probability most resembles Herbert. Each are pocket passers with spectacular arm expertise who have been very productive in faculty. Nonetheless, in contrast to Rivers, Stroud can scramble, if obligatory, permitting him to maintain performs alive.

As for the match with the Colts, Stroud may pair properly with 2022 second-round decide Alec Pierce. A protracted receiver who excels in jump-ball conditions, Pierce suffered from his quarterbacks’ lack of arm energy final season. To totally make the most of his skills, the Colts want an correct and assured passer prepared to place the ball play. With 41 touchdowns and simply six interceptions final season, Stroud has confirmed he may be that.

Moreover, including a participant like Stroud is not going to require a serious shift for the Colts’ offensive line, which is sort of used to enjoying with pocket passers.

To not be missed as a match is Levis. He may be considerably polarizing due to his excessive turnover price the previous two seasons (23 mixed interceptions). However Levis is expert in utilizing play-action passing, and that’s an attribute that would match nicely with a staff that has an extended historical past of being productive working the ball.

Levis’ accuracy would appear to be an issue given the excessive interception price. However his completion proportion final season (65.4) was really larger than Younger’s (64.5). That doesn’t imply his accuracy isn’t topic to scrutiny. But when the Colts can get working again Jonathan Taylor and their offensive line to return to type, bringing again the play-action menace, Levis makes some sense. He accomplished 68.5% of makes an attempt with 9.7 air yards per try in play-action conditions final season.

The vary of outcomes with an unseasoned participant like Richardson makes it much less possible he’ll be drafted as excessive as fourth general. The Colts will possible have much less dangerous choices out there to them, however there are few coaches higher outfitted than Steichen to tailor an offense round Richardson’s elite working capacity.

Steichen’s success with Hurts supplies the blueprint, and the Colts even have the personnel to drag it off. Richardson shouldn’t be polished however may thrive on a staff with a potent dashing assault, utilizing his personal dashing menace to arrange simple throws.

Richardson wants that as a result of he’s nonetheless creating as a passer. His 53.8% completion price goes to scare some groups away (bear in mind what Steichen stated about accuracy). By comparability, Hurts was a really high-percentage passer in faculty, finishing 69.7% of makes an attempt as a senior. However Hurts was additionally a three-year starter. Richardson began simply 13 video games.

Lastly, Richardson has just a few parallels to a different quarterback who as soon as caught Ballard’s eye: Justin Fields. The Colts had already traded away their first-round decide when Fields got here out of Ohio State in 2021, however staff sources have stated they have been fairly intrigued with him and would have thought of him if the decide was out there. Just a bit one thing to bear in mind.