ESPN analyst weighs in on Daniel Jones' fit with Indianapolis Colts

ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell recently went through 15 players who changed teams this offseason to analyze how they'll fit in their new surroundings. Included were Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts.

Let's start with the good. As Barnwell describes, there are reasons to be optimistic about what Jones can offer. Barnwell notes that Jones can be an accurate passer when in rhythm and should handle Shane Steichen's RPO play calls.

Throughout his career, Jones has completed 64.1% of his passes, which includes a 22-game stretch from 2022 to 2023, where he completed over 67% of his throws. While there is a lot that will go into determining who the Colts' Week 1 starting quarterback will be, consistently moving the offense up and down the field will be a part of that equation.

Around the quarterback position, the Colts have built out a well-put-together group of skill position players. This includes Jonathan Taylor, who totaled the fourth-most rushing yards last season, along with being the only team in 2024 to have three receivers eclipse 800 receiving yards each.

Indianapolis also added a do-it-all presence at the tight end position with Tyler Warren. So if the run game can keep the Colts' offense ahead of the sticks and Jones is able to operate within the timing and rhythm of the play, the opportunity to find some success in the passing game does exist.

Now, on the other side of things, Barnwell wrote that Jones "shouldn't be considered a plug-and-play replacement" for Anthony Richardson either. And for a Colts' offense that did generate big plays through the air at a relatively high rate last year, that element wasn't prominent in the Giants' offense under Jones.

"Richardson has been asked to attack downfield in Indy's offense, but that was never Jones' forte in New York," wrote Barnwell. "He posted some of the lowest air-yards-per-attempt marks of any quarterback in 2½ seasons under coach Brian Daboll. While the Colts have typically dialed up gap schemes and between-the-tackles runs for Richardson, the Giants used Jones in zone-read schemes and let him scramble on pass plays."

Barnwell adds that Jones will face "an uncertain situation" along the offensive line, as the Colts look to replace Ryan Kelly and Will Fries.

Both Steichen and GM Chris Ballard believe that the competition will bring out the best in both Jones and Richardson. While Jones provides the Colts with some insurance, it's in the team's best interest that Richardson takes control of the starting job during this competition, with him being the much higher upside player.

Although not an apples-to-apples comparison, after being benched last season, Richardson responded and played better football upon his return to the starting lineup, which included leading two game-winning drives in the fourth quarter.

Richardson and Jones will split the starting reps, and outside of wanting to name a starter by Week 1, there really is no set-in-stone timeline for when a starter has to be named for the Colts. They will be patient and let someone emerge.

Barnwell concluded his analysis by mentioning that at some point this season, Jones may end up under center for the Colts.

"Whether through injury or benching, it seems likely Richardson will give way to Jones at some point this season," Barnwell wrote. "Jones will have to stay healthy and consistent to keep that opportunity."