Given that the rookie quarterback was sidelined by a season-ending shoulder injury after a thrilling maiden pro season, he is arguably the most apparent Colts candidate. The most remarkable thing about Richardson’s first season was that it ended too soon. He flashed that unique dual-threat potential even in his first four games, scoring seven touchdowns in total—three on the ground and three through the air.
Specifically, Richardson showcased his arm strength, athleticism, speed, and surprising poise and progression as a passer—well beyond his years (having been just 21 years-of-age last year with limited collegiate starting experience). He looked much further along as a pocket passer—particularly working through his reads and overall pocket presence, than the ‘raw project’ that some draft pundits labeled him as coming out of Florida.
Richardson can start where he left off if he can maintain his complete health. Prior to his season being cut short, he was among the front-runners for NFL Rookie of the Year.
The fact that the Colts selected Virginia’s 2023 third-round pick in the third round keeps him somewhat underappreciated—not because of his projected influence in 2024, but rather because he ended up missing the entire previous campaign due to hamstring issues.
Though he only caught 25 passes for 312 receiving yards as a rookie in 2023, he did show some early promise as a red zone threat in his first professional campaign, with 3 touchdown grabs in 15 games (2 starts).
With his enormous 6’7″ height and 253 pounds, Woods possesses a rare combination of sheer size and surprising speed (*he ran a 4.61 forty at the 2023 NFL Combine), which might make him a nightmare for opposition linebackers and secondaries in the upcoming season. Along with his exceptional athleticism, he has a RAS of 10.0 out of a possible maximum of 10.0.
He hasn’t really been used in Colts head coach Shane Steichen’s offense yet, but he likes to use the versatility and skill sets of his tight ends, even in unique ways within his offensive scheme (*like tight end screens).
When space opens up a bit more, Woods should be a clear big-bodied red zone threat and a potential seam-stretcher at tight end.
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