What should the Colts do with Adonai Mitchell?

In the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Adonai Mitchell. The former Texas Longhorn was considered a first round pick by many draft analysts because of his skillset. However, the return on investment hasn’t panned out…yet?

Prior to the bye week, Mitchell dropped what would have been a near thirty-yard completion on third down. It would have put Indianapolis in great position to score a touchdown, instead, the drop setup the second of three fourth downs Anthony Richardson had to convert on the game winning drive.

In weeks one and two, Mitchell played over 50% of the snaps. In the next seven weeks, he only eclipsed 25% of the Colts offensive snaps once. When Michael Pittman Jr. missed the week ten game against Buffalo, he played in 60 (93.8%). Following MPJ’s return, Mitchell played in 12 snaps in the next two games. Finally, in the win over New England, he played 36 (58.1%) with Josh Downs sidelined.

“He’s not making difficult catches, in fact, he’s not making routine catches. I think that disqualifies you from playing meaningful snaps. The stakes are high for them right now, they can’t afford it. They’ve given him some opportunities on some key plays, and you got to come through. I’m not saying every ball has been perfect, but rookie or no rookie, you have to come through at some point and that has not happened. It’s okay to pull back and say he needs time.  That’s not a knock on him permanently, but right now that’s where they’re at.” ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder on Query & Company Tuesday afternoon.

What’s fascinating about the Mitchell discourse is that he is on a similar track as his position coach, to some extent.

Reggie Wayne’s first three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts:

• 2001 – 27 receptions 345 yards 0 TD
• 2002 – 49 receptions 716 yards 4 TDs
• 2003 – 68 receptions 838 yards 7 TDs

Mitchell currently has 20 receptions for 254 yards and 0 touchdowns.

It is hard to compare the two simply because of the quarterbacks throwing the ball, but what can be applied is that it could just take some time for the fifty-second overall pick to evolve into an NFL player. It wasn’t long ago when fans were writing off Alec Pierce and he has certainly proved them wrong this season.