Colts All-Pro RB Jonathan Taylor Compares Rookie Anthony Richardson To Two MVPs

Indianapolis Colts All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor expressed his excitement about the team’s new quarterback, Anthony Richardson, comparing him to some of the league’s top running quarterbacks.

Richardson, who was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, made waves with his impressive combine performance, breaking all-time records for athletic scores among quarterbacks and showcasing his remarkable physical attributes at 6’4″ and 244 pounds.

In a recent interview with Justin Melo, Taylor was asked about Richardson’s playing style and physicality, Taylor drew comparisons to Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Cam Newton.

Both Hurts and Jackson are known for their exceptional running abilities and have recently signed record-breaking contracts. Lamar Jackson signed a massive 5-year, $260 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history, while Jalen Hurts secured a 5-year, $255 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, which now ranks him as the second-highest-paid player of all time. Lamar Jackson won MVP honors in 2019 while Jalen Hurts was an MVP-runner up in 2022.

Cam Newton, a former MVP in 2015 himself, was renowned for his physical presence and dynamic skill set. By mentioning Newton alongside Hurts and Jackson, Taylor emphasized Richardson’s potential as a formidable physical threat on the field.

Almost A Seahawk

Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks, who held the fifth overall pick in the draft, recently revealed that they “seriously considered” selecting Richardson before the Colts made their move one spot ahead.

Carroll commended Richardson’s extraordinary athleticism, stating that he may be the most exceptional athlete ever drafted at the quarterback position.

Richardson’s combine performance was nothing short of remarkable. He shattered records with a vertical jump of 40.50″ and a broad jump of 10’09”. Additionally, he recorded an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.43 seconds, which ranks as the fourth fastest time in history. However, what sets Richardson apart is his size, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 244 pounds, making him significantly larger than the three players ahead of him in the fastest 40-yard dash rankings.

With Taylor’s high praise and the recognition he has received from players and coaches alike, Anthony Richardson enters the NFL with great expectations on his shoulders. As he joins the Indianapolis Colts, fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness Richardson’s exceptional athleticism and potential impact on the field.