The key for any franchise to consistently win in the NFL is to have a solid quarterback who has solid weapons around him. The Indianapolis Colts have their quarterback in Anthony Richardson. They have their all-star running back in Jonathan Taylor. They also have Michael Pittman Jr. who is their top wide receiver. However, they do not have that third weapon to contend with Pittman and be a security blanket for Richardson. That was until the second round in the 2024 NFL Draft. Most do not consider a rookie to be a missing link, but the Indianapolis Colts have one guy in particular who can be just that.
The Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell, is primed to be that contender and security blanket on this offense. After being the eleventh receiver taken off the board, Mitchell is on a mission to prove all the doubters wrong. He is the most intriguing rookie to watch for the Indianapolis Colts.
Why Adonai Mitchell is the Most Intriguing Rookie for the Colts
He Has a Chip on His Shoulder
As mentioned, ten receivers, including one of his teammates, were picked ahead of Adonai Mitchell in this year’s draft. Nonetheless, Mitchell was selected by the Colts in the middle of the second round in what many call a steal of a pick. According to multiple reports, the reason why Mitchell was not drafted higher was because he didn’t interview well. In a heated Press Conference, Chris Ballard wholeheartedly believed any of those reports about Mitchell were false.
When it came time for players to pick their jersey numbers, Mitchell chose the number ten. When asked why, he stated, “Seeing ten receivers go before me… I couldn’t get it off my mind. I was like, yeah, bro, let me get 10”. Using that as fuel for the season and for his career is what Colts fans want to see. Mitchell knows his worth and knows what he is capable of. He has the opportunity to put 31 other teams to shame for not drafting him. For a rookie to have this much motivation and drive is what the Indianapolis Colts want on their roster.
His Fit Within the Offense
Even as a rookie, Adonai Mitchell could blossom into being the number two receiver for the Indianapolis Colts at the end of the season. Third-year receiver Alec Pierce is coming off a disappointing season, but the addition of Mitchell could light a fire underneath Pierce to perform. The NFL is all about the next-man-up mentality. If a player is not getting the job done, someone else has to step up.
Throughout OTAs, the Indianapolis Colts have been very impressed with their rookie receiver. Early on, Michael Pittman Jr. left workouts with an injury. Since then, Mitchell has shown many bright spots and is making plays with the first team. Time will tell whether he will enter week one as a depth receiver or a starting receiver. However, the one certain thing is that Mitchell has the skills to be a starter. His experience in OTAs and training camp this offseason will determine where he will fit on this roster.
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