Four Day 2 picks are now part of the Colts’ wide receiver depth chart, leading to a crowded competition where even the most recent selection might not start early. However, Adonai Mitchell is almost certain to play a significant role for Indianapolis before the season concludes.
The Colts selected Mitchell with the No. 52 overall pick, and the team has now signed the former Texas receiver to his four-year rookie contract. Mitchell’s deal continues to raise the bar for second-round picks this year. The Colts are guaranteeing 65% of Mitchell’s rookie contract, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, who also reports that $700K of Mitchell’s 2026 base salary is guaranteed. This is a significant change compared to last year’s No. 52 pick, Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet, who received no Year 3 guarantees. Similarly, No. 50 pick Jayden Reed did not either. With the Texans guaranteeing 4% of Blake Fisher’s Year 3 base salary, Mitchell’s contract sets a new precedent for players chosen just beyond No. 50 overall, benefiting future players in this draft sector. Mitchell can now concentrate on earning an early role with a Colts team that has been active on Day 2 of the draft in adding wide receivers in the 2020s.
Although the investment in Parris Campbell did not yield the desired results, the Colts have shown a commitment similar to the Steelers in drafting wideouts this way. After a few seasons as the team’s No. 1 target, Michael Pittman Jr. signed a three-year, $70 million extension. Alec Pierce (Round 2, 2022), Josh Downs (Round 3, 2023), and Mitchell now complement the 2020 second-rounder. Mitchell joins the Colts after a late college breakout. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound wideout caught 55 passes for 845 yards and a Big 12-leading 11 touchdowns last season. A 2023 transfer to Texas significantly boosted Mitchell’s draft stock, as he was not particularly productive during his time as a Georgia underclassman from 2021-22. The move benefited Texas as well, helping the program reach the CFP semifinals. Although Mitchell did not exceed 450 receiving yards in either of his seasons with the Bulldogs, the Colts are betting on the 2023 Longhorn’s size-speed combination. Mitchell impressed with a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the Combine.
Indianapolis has relied heavily on Pittman in their passing game for years, though Downs (771 yards) showed immediate promise from the slot during Gardner Minshew’s season at quarterback. Pierce has surpassed 500 yards in each of his two seasons, although he was drafted during Frank Reich’s tenure. Downs and Mitchell were brought in under Shane Steichen. Regardless of the coaching changes, the Colts have all four of their Day 2 wideouts signed beyond 2024. This creates an intriguing setup for a team that hopes to keep Anthony Richardson healthy as he aims to develop as a passer. With this signing, the Colts have completed their 2024 draft class. Ahead of Indianapolis’ minicamp, here is a breakdown of Chris Ballard’s latest haul:
– **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)