Is Adonai Mitchell the best wide receiver on the Indianapolis Colts? The answer is no. Most would rank him as the team’s fourth option, trailing Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce. While Mitchell isn’t the go-to player right now, he has the potential to develop into a significant contributor in the future.
The rookie from Texas had a slow start to the season, managing just three receptions on 17 targets for 42 yards over his first four games. However, he showed signs of a breakout in Week 19 against the Buffalo Bills. Despite the Colts’ 30-20 loss, Mitchell had a career-high performance with six catches on six targets for 71 yards, standing out as one of the team’s few bright spots. Could this be the beginning of a promising rise for the young playmaker?
Adonai Mitchell Could Be on the Verge of Becoming a Star
Mitchell’s Football Career
Adonai Mitchell began his college career with the Georgia Bulldogs, where he played for two seasons and won back-to-back national championships.
In 2023, he transferred to Texas, where he had an impressive season with the Longhorns. Mitchell recorded 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns. His standout performance came against Kansas State, with eight catches for 149 yards and a touchdown. That year, he earned the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year award and was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team.
Mitchell was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft (52nd overall). In his rookie season, he has appeared in 10 games, tallying 18 receptions for 211 yards but has yet to score his first NFL touchdown.
Will He Develop into a Star?
Colts general manager Chris Ballard often faces criticism for his decision-making, but his track record in the draft speaks for itself. Since taking over in 2017, Ballard has selected standout players like Jonathan Taylor, Quenton Nelson, Michael Pittman Jr., and Zaire Franklin.
Adonai Mitchell might soon join that list. Colts wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne has high praise for the rookie, calling him a draft steal, as reported by Colts.com:
“He was a player (in college), he’s a player now,” Wayne said after Mitchell’s four-catch, 38-yard performance against Jacksonville in Week 5. “That’s why we drafted him. We got a steal in the draft. Just keep watching.”
Wayne, a former Colts star himself, might be onto something. However, it’s still early. Like Mitchell, Wayne had a modest rookie season, recording 27 receptions for 345 yards without a touchdown in 2001. He went on to become a six-time Pro Bowler and a Hall of Fame candidate.
Mitchell, at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, displays the athleticism that caught the Colts’ attention in the second round. He has speed, strong route-running skills, and the ability to create separation. As quarterback Anthony Richardson continues to develop, Mitchell’s growth could provide much-needed support. Will Mitchell become a star? It’s too soon to say, but don’t be surprised if he emerges as a key contributor in the years ahead.
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