The Indianapolis Colts snagged Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell with the No. 52 pick in this year’s draft, a selection that came as a surprise to some who expected him to be a Day 1 pick.
about his character, which circulated before the draft, likely influenced his draft position.
After choosing Mitchell on Day 2, Colts general manager Chris Ballard vehemently criticized the anonymous sources behind these reports. Ballard emphasized the harm such comments can cause, urging those who make these claims to own up to their words.
“I read some of the stuff that was said. Just the typical nonsense, our typical league,” Ballard stated. “Unnamed sources, bad interview, it’s all nonsense. It really is. It’s nonsense. Put your name on it. We tear these young men down. These are 21, 22-year-old men and if people out there can tell me they’re perfect in their lives, it’s crap. This is a good kid. For those reports to come out, like I said last year, it’s nonsense. I’m sorry for the language. I don’t, but I do.”
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Mitchell himself expressed frustration over the delay in his draft call, but he remains enthusiastic about joining the Colts.
“It’s been frustrating waiting, but now I’m just excited to start working, to be the best teammate, person, and player I can be for the team. It’s been a long time coming,” Mitchell said.
Last season, Mitchell made significant contributions to the Longhorns with 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns, particularly excelling towards the season’s end.
He will join an Indianapolis wide receiver corps that includes Michael Pittman and Josh Downs, where his skills are expected to bolster the team’s offensive options.
