The Indianapolis Colts made waves during the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell with the 52nd overall pick.
Despite being regarded by many analysts as a top-15 talent, Mitchell shockingly slipped deep into the second round, making this selection a potential steal for the Colts. With his combination of size, speed, and game-breaking abilities, Mitchell may prove to be the perfect fit for the Colts’ offensive scheme.
Surprising Draft Trends and the Quarterback Shuffle
The first round of the draft unfolded differently than many expected. Quarterback-needy teams refrained from trading up, leaving six signal-callers taken in the first round, while cornerback Michael Penix Jr. surprisingly went to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8. Additionally, no defensive player was drafted until the 15th overall pick, the first time this has happened in NFL history.
Only five trades were made on the first day, but the biggest surprise came from players like Cooper DeJean and Adonai Mitchell slipping into the later rounds.
Colts HC Shane Steichen’s first impression of Adonai Mitchell:
(via @CoachspeakIndex)pic.twitter.com/GHpEWRxQjf
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) May 10, 2024
Adonai Mitchell’s Skill Set Makes Him a Unique Talent
Mitchell’s drop to the second round was unexpected, considering his exceptional statistics. According to Tru Media, only 16.1% of Mitchell’s targets were off-target last season, while he maintained one of the lowest drop rates at 2.2%.
Despite inconsistent quarterback play, he recorded 55 receptions, 845 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns with a remarkable 81.8% of his catches leading to a first down or touchdown. At 6’2″ and 212 pounds, he provides a mismatch for defenders in the red zone, coupled with his 39.5-inch vertical and ability to high-point the ball.
His versatility allows him to win at all levels of the field, making him a valuable asset for head coach Shane Steichen’s offensive playbook. With a head-turning combination of athleticism and size, Mitchell is expected to compete directly with Alec Pierce for the starting “X” receiver position.
Adonai Mitchell Fits Perfectly in Shane Steichen’s Scheme
Shane Steichen’s offensive philosophy is clear: “We are going to throw to score points and run to win.” Last season, the Colts increased their passing attempts on deep throws, rising from 9.7% in 2022 to 18.8% in 2023. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson averaged 2.5 deep-ball attempts per game and maintained an average depth of target of 10.7 yards.
Mitchell will provide Richardson with a reliable deep threat who excels at tracking and securing long passes. His ability to create separation and extend plays will help Richardson unlock his full potential in the passing game. Furthermore, his impressive catch rate makes him an ideal target for red zone plays, adding a new layer of versatility to the Colts’ offense.
Why Mitchell Outshined Other Contenders
Cooper DeJean
Although other players like Cooper DeJean, T’Vondre Sweat, and Jer’Zhan Newton were selected in the second round, none offered the combination of value and immediate impact that Mitchell brings to the Colts. DeJean is a versatile cornerback but struggled with injuries after a fractured fibula.
Jer’Zhan Newton
Newton’s talent is undeniable, but his current placement on the depth chart behind Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen with the Washington Commanders might limit his immediate contributions.
T’Vondre Sweat
Despite his potential to dominate on the defensive line, Sweat’s weight (380 pounds) and pre-draft arrest raise concerns about his readiness to perform consistently.
In Adonai Mitchell, the Colts have landed a player who not only checks all the boxes but also fills an immediate need. His skill set and versatility make him a perfect fit for the Colts’ offensive strategy, giving them a new weapon to stretch the field and compete for touchdowns. Keep an eye on Mitchell as he challenges for the starting role and emerges as one of the league’s breakout stars in 2024.
