The Indianapolis Colts made a big move in the second round, adding Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell with the No. 52 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
After a wild slide that was likely caused due to anonymous sources calling concerns toward Mitchell's character, the Colts figured that was enough. They even traded back from No. 46 to be sure.
General manager Chris Ballard also went on a powerful NSFW rant in defense of Mitchell's character.
On the field, this is a home run swing from Ballard. If Mitchell puts it all together, he can be one of the best in the NFL. His 4.34 speed, 39.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-4-inch broad jump are all elite numbers. He also is a crisp route runner with elite hands.
MORE: Best reactions to Colts drafting Adonai Mitchell
Mitchell will be hungry to prove the NFL wrong after most thought he would be a first-round pick. The development ahead will mostly be in the department of adding more nuance to his route running. Having a coach like Reggie Wayne certainly will help in that area.
When it comes to the draft grades from NFL experts, this pick passed with flying colors.
Colts NFL Draft grades
The Colts get their much-needed downfield complement to MIchael Pittman Jr. to further support Anthony Richardson’s deep passing. Mitchell gives them a dangerous big-play threat who can grow into be consistent, more reliable target.
Pro Football Focus: Elite
Mitchell will immediately provide Anthony Richardson with another weapon opposite Michael Pittman Jr. He is an immediate impact player in the red zone with his size and body control, and he brings incredible hands. Mitchell dropped just one pass over the past two years on 103 targets.
Love this pick for Colts. Exactly the type they like. Size/speed/athleticism specimen. So fluid running routes. Just can have long stretches where he goes invisible. Very minimal YAC. An outside wideout who can win at second and third levels for Anthony Richardson.
Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: A+
Mitchell was viewed as a potential first-round prospect and he fell all the way to the back half of the second round. The Colts need to continue to add weapons around Anthony Richardson as he works his way back from injury, and now they have Mitchell to play with Michael Pittman and Josh Downs.
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: A
Mitchell was viewed as a first-round possibility for multiple teams. His athletic profiles fits what Indianapolis likes, and Richardson now gets a new weapon to enjoy alongside Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Alec Pierce.
Now we’re talking. Rather than go receiver in the first round, GM Chris Ballard opted for his top edge (Laiatu Latu). And Mitchell — a big, long, fast and explosive X receiver who can line up all over the field — could have been in Round 1 himself. He has to be more consistent and continue maturing, but goodness, there is upside here. This is potentially a great fit for Anthony Richardson.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: A
The Colts just handed Anthony Richardson a major weapon. The twitchy, explosive Mitchell contrasts Michael Pittman Jr. nicely, offering a player who can break free of coverage with his crisp cuts and also threaten defenses downfield with his serious speed. Chris Ballard is taking some significant swings with his passing attack, and it could pay off in a big way.
