The Indianapolis Colts are fully committed to quarterback Anthony Richardson. That much is clear after general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen identified him as their selection at No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

However, Indianapolis must surround their rookie signal caller in order for him to succeed. Especially in year-one as he adjusts to the NFL. Which means that the Colts would be wise to add playmakers and ensure that the offensive line is up to the task.

Indianapolis had a down year in the trenches last NFL season. Some of the cause is due to injuries. Yet, even when healthy, the Colts did not perform as well as expected throughout the year. Getting back to their standard is crucial.

In fact, that is what NFL.com considers to be the biggest priority for the Colts this offseason. Patching up the offensive line will play a significant role in determining just how successful the first season of the Richardson and Steichen era is.

The Colts gave up 60 sacks in 2022. Matt Ryan was benched midseason, and neither Sam Ehlinger or Nick Foles had much success behind the offensive line. Add in an injury to Jonathan Taylor, and it was a disaster.

The new-look Colts loom as much-watch material with athletically freaky rookie passer Anthony Richardson baked into a Shane Steichen-authored playbook. Their early success hinges largely on the state of Indy's work-in-progress O-line. The injury-riddled conglomerate fell off a cliff last autumn, turning Matt Ryan into a weekly punching bag while giving up the second-most sacks league-wide with 60. 

Fortunately, Indianapolis did address the trenches through the NFL Draft. Ballard has made a name for himself selecting athletic prospects, and the linemen that the Colts added fits that to a T.

The Colts ignored their line in free agency before waiting until the fourth round to draft tackle Blake Freeland out of BYU. Fellow tackle Jake Witt came in the seventh, but nothing was done to shore up a troubling situation at right guard. It's up to general manager Chris Ballard to find help before Richardson is unleashed in games that count. 

Anthony Richardson is not only the future of the franchise, but he's also the present. Meaning that the Indianapolis Colts must do everything that they can do make sure he is healthy week-in and week-out.