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The Indianapolis Colts' search for the next franchise quarterback in the upcoming draft took a new turn on Monday. The team's owner, Jim Irsay, revealed that the team is looking for a young quarterback that could lead the team's offense for the next decade.
This puts an end to rumors that the team is likely to trade down the draft to pick 25-year-old Hendon Hooker, who is recovering from an ACL injury. It also cancels out the idea that Gardner Minshew is in contention to become the starting quarterback next season.
The future is in the draft for the Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are currently considering their options to solve their quarterback woes, which have lasted a couple of seasons. However, indications suggest that owner Jim Irsay favors the approach of utilizing the 2023 NFL draft to achieve this goal.
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The Colts hold the No. 4 pick in the upcoming draft, which puts them in a good position to select one of the top quarterback prospects.
The team owner said:
“We’re looking for the future guy, and we want the guy that can be there for the next 10 years. After Philip’s (Rivers) year, I wanted to go young. I was, ‘Let’s go young. Let’s grow our own. It’s time,”
Irsay also appreciated Rivers for his one year with the team, revealing that the draft is the way to go in finding his long-term replacement.
“It was great having Philip the one year and he was very successful and exceeded our expectations, but [we] knew it was a short-term thing. I really wanted to go young and drafting our own and finding our own that way.’’
The odds of Anthony Richardson rises again
Two of the three teams ahead of the Colts in the draft are most likely picking a quarterback. The Carolina Panthers are said to be leaning towards C.J. Stroud, while the Houston Texans are expected to select Bryce Young in the draft.
This keeps options limited for the Colts, with Anthony Richardson the most likely selection in the upcoming draft. The Florida Gators quarterback demonstrated a level of athleticism at the NFL Combine, which improved his chances of being selected by the team.
With Shane Steichen now in charge of the franchise, the management can rest assured that their selection in the draft is in safe hands. Gardner Minshew will definitely serve as a cover for Richardson, provided he is selected next month by the team.
