Four Day 2 picks are now part of the Colts’ wide receiver depth chart — to the point the most recent of those selections might not start early. But Adonai Mitchell will almost definitely see a key role for Indianapolis before season’s end.
The Colts used the No. 52 overall pick on Mitchell, and the team now has the former Texas pass catcher signed to his four-year rookie contract. Mitchell’s contract continues the second-round contingent’s gains this year. The Colts are guaranteeing 65% of Mitchell’s rookie deal, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, who notes $700K of the wideout’s 2026 base salary is locked in.
Last year’s No. 52 overall pick, Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet, did not receive any Year 3 guarantees. Neither did No. 50 overall choice Jayden Reed. After the Texans guaranteed 4% of Blake Fisher‘s Year 3 base salary, Mitchell’s contract will further move the needle for players chosen just beyond No. 50 overall. These terms will certainly benefit the rest of the players in this draft sector. Mitchell can now focus on earning an early role with a Colts team that has been active on Day 2 with wideouts in the 2020s.
Although Indy’s Parris Campbell investment did not pan out, the team has shown a Steelers-like commitment to adding wideouts this way. After a few seasons as the team’s No. 1 target, Michael Pittman Jr. signed a three-year, $70MM extension. Alec Pierce (Round 2, 2022), Josh Downs (Round 3, 2023) and Mitchell flank the 2020 second-rounder. Mitchell comes to Indiana after a belated college breakout.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound wideout caught 55 passes for 845 yards and Big 12-most 11 touchdowns last season. A 2023 transfer to Texas undoubtedly boosted Mitchell’s draft stock, as he was not especially productive as a Georgia underclassman from 2021-22. The relocation helped Texas as well, lifting the program to the CFP semifinals. Although Mitchell did not top 450 receiving yards during either of his Bulldogs seasons, the Colts will bet on the 2023 Longhorn’s size-speed combination. Mitchell blazed to a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the Combine.
Indianapolis has been a Pittman-dependent aerial operation for years, though Downs (771 yards) showed immediate promise from the slot during Gardner Minshew‘s season at the controls. The Colts have seen Pierce eclipse 500 yards in each of his two seasons, though the team drafted the Cincinnati alum during Frank Reich‘s tenure. Downs and Mitchell came in under Shane Steichen. Regardless of coach affiliation, the Colts have all four of their Day 2 wideouts signed beyond 2024. That creates an interesting setup for a team that will hope to keep Anthony Richardson healthy as the high-end talent aims to improve as a passer.
This signing wraps the Colts’ 2024 draft class. Ahead of Indianapolis’ minicamp, here is how Chris Ballard‘s latest haul breaks down:
- Round 1, No. 15: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 52 (from Panthers): Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 79 (from Jaguars through Falcons): Matt Goncalves (T, Pittsburgh) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 117: Tanor Bortolini (C, Wisconsin) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 142 (from Titans through Panthers): Anthony Gould (WR, Oregon State) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 151: Jaylon Carlies (S, Missouri) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 164 (from Lions through Eagles): Jaylin Simpson (S, Auburn) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 210: Micah Abraham (CB, Marshall) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 234: Jonah Laulu (DT, Oklahoma) (signed)
Everyone knew Mitchell was poised for a breakout season after he had missed some time at UGA, but had shown flashes during his first and second season and especially coming up clutchnin some big moments.
Don’t undersell Mitchell’s time as a Dawg, or act like they didn’t prepare him for success at Texas. Like he magically just became a star at Texas, despite his time and the coaching he received at UGA.