Colts Select Adonai Mitchell

by Tony Donohue

The only thing that was certain heading into last Thursday’s NFL Draft for the Indianapolis Colts was that at some point, Chris Ballard was going to trade back to acquire more draft picks. He told media members that he was looking into trading the #15 overall pick to a team looking to move up. Unfortunately, no dance partners came to the table, ultimately leading to the Colts taking UCLA’s stud edge rusher Laiatu Latu with that first round pick. Latu was the first defensive player taken in the draft and filled a need for the Colts, which set them up for their next pick, a much-needed wide receiver. 

Before the Colts selected in the second round, GM Chris Ballard was back on the phone. The Colts had the 46th pick in the draft during Friday's second day from Detroit. When the Colts went to the clock, Ballard pulled the trigger on his first trade of the night. With Carolina on the phone, the deal was done. The Colts would send that 46th pick to the Panthers, moving the Colts back to the 52nd overall selection while gaining picks 142 and 155. 

When the pick was in, the Colts selected Adonai Mitchell, wide receiver from Texas. Mitchell was a player the Colts had circled on their big board, and it couldn't have fallen any better for the Horseshoe. With the additional two picks, the Colts traded again to bring in more draft picks, while still getting one of the top receivers on their board. 

Mitchell is the truth. HIs ability to break off a route and beat the opponent with his first step translates to the NFL well. He's quick, durable and can find space, which is exactly what the Colts need. Mitchell can compete for the #3 spot on the depth chart from day one and adding another weapon for Anthony Richardson never hurts. Pairing Mitchell with Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and a really good tight end room will rev up competition for training camp.

The Colts studied Mitchell intently during the combine. The entire staff from the head coach to scouts to GM Chris Ballard sat down with Mitchell to discuss where he would fit into Indy's offensive plans. What stood out the most for the Colts with this selection was Mitchell had only one career drop at Texas on 103 targets in the last two seasons. He gets open, he makes the catch and the Colts couldn't be more excited to have Mitchell turn in the Longhorn logo for a horseshoe. 

"We are fired up," read Colts head coach Shane Steichen's message to Mitchell on the phone right before the pick was made. 

The Colts zoned in on Mitchell as a possible second round pick early on. The team sent scouts to Texas to watch games, had a formal interview with him at the combine and went over countless hours of film on the wide receiver. 

Talented. Competitor. Confidence. These were the adjectives spoken over and over about Mitchell by the Colts scouts, the coaching staff and GM Chris Ballard. 

"I will make you guys look like geniuses," were Mitchell’s first words on the phone when he got the call from Chris Ballard. 

Mitchell can help right away. His speed and ability to break away from his defender could easily slide him into the third wide receiver spot. With teams focusing in this season on Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs, the Colts need a reliable third option at the wideout position. Mitchell aims to be that third player on the depth chart.