The Indianapolis Colts have had an eventful offseason highlighted by a coaching change and drafting a rookie quarterback. Shane Steichen and Anthony Richardson enter their first season with the franchise surrounded by hype.

In a wide open AFC South, the Colts are hoping to make some noise right out of the gate. Steichen proved to be a brilliant offensive mind with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Richardson is a dynamic weapon behind center.

Despite a poor season in 2022, the Colts have talent on the roster. And that is why Pro Football Focus sees Indianapolis possibly exceeding expectations in 2023. Steichen has players to utilize effectively.

Pro Football Focus analyst Brad Spielberger highlighted Richardson, offensive lineman Quenton Nelson and defensive lineman DeForest Buckner as three players for the franchise to build around.

Spielberger suggests that Indianapolis has the talent to potentially turn some heads if the injury bug stays away in 2022. Staying healthy will be arguably the biggest factor in Indianapolis making some noise.

The Colts are such an interesting team because, despite landing the No. 4 overall pick following a disastrous 2022 campaign, the roster boasts blue-chip or very good players at many key spots. They just need to get healthy and simply play better.

There is definitely talent for Steichen to work with in year one on the job. Spielberger points out that the players around Richardson – such as Taylor and Michael Pittman could make for an exciting offense.

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. seems underrated despite hauling in 99 receptions in a passing offense that ranked dead last in expected points added per dropback, but he’s not necessarily an elite athlete, using his big 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame to haul in contested catches. He also rarely drops the football. The outside speed addition of 2022 second-rounder Alec Pierce and 2023 third-round pick Josh Downs, a shifty slot weapon, is a good start in building around the dynamic Anthony Richardson. And an option run game with Jonathan Taylor will be diabolical to stop once Richardson gets his NFL feet under him.

With training camp beginning this upcoming week, the excitement is real for the Indianapolis Colts. PFF just added more reasons to be optimistic about the first season of the Steichen and Richardson era.

Colts star Jonathan Taylor is disrespected by national media outlet

Pro Football Focus doesn’t consider Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor as a player for the franchise to build around.

Featured image via USA TODAY Sports