The reported pre-draft behavior that led to Adonai Mitchell’s downfall isn’t a concern for the Colts.
In fact, when asked about it, general manager Chris Ballard went on a tirade about the NFL media report that said the former Longhorns player didn’t interview well and that teams weren’t able to to have a good reading of him.
As a result, Mitchell, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound receiver, was selected by Indianapolis 52nd overall.
“This is so bullshit,” Ballard fumed. “I mean, he’s fucking king.” It’s bullshit. Like, put your name on it. We are tearing these young men down. They’re 21 or 22 year old men, and if people can tell me they’re perfect in their lives, that’s bullshit. It’s shit. He’s a good kid, and for these reports to come out, I said last year, they’re bullshit.
Initially, there was buzz around Mitchell in the first round, with several simulations predicting he would be selected near the end of the first round.
However, as of Friday, he was still available and several teams ahead of the Colts opted to take other receivers — like the Bills, who used their first pick on Day 2 (No. 33 overall) to grab Keon Coleman from the state of Florida.
The Chargers also selected Ladd McConkey of Georgia at 34th overall, followed by the Patriots selecting Ja’Lynn Polk of Washington at 37th overall.
Mitchell will team up with second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, who the Colts selected last year with the fourth overall pick.
He will also be under the wing of second-year receiver Josh Downs and Richardson’s top passing option, Michael Pittman Jr., who the Colts signed to a three-year extension during the offseason.
Mitchell began his college career at Georgia, where he won two national championships before transferring to Texas for the 2023 season.
As a Longhorn, he caught 55 passes for 845 yards and totaled 11 touchdowns, a season that earned him second-team All-Big 12 honors.
He was also named the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
New York Post
