How Crucial Will Adonai Mitchell's Rookie Role Be?

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell projects as a big-time contributor for the offense this season. A larger pathway to immediate relevance may have revealed itself on Wednesday when fellow receiver Josh Downs suffered a high-ankle ankle sprain at practice. Downs will be sidelined for four-to-six weeks, according to reports. 

Downs could miss the start of the regular season as a result. Mitchell is capable of picking up the slack next to Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce at receiver. Mitchell will continue endearing himself to sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson as preparation for the season ramps up.

Downs, the Colts’ second-leading receiver in 2023, was stringing together an outstanding sophomore training camp. Richardson and Downs were routinely connecting on explosive plays at practice. Head coach Shane Steichen is now tasked with finding alternative solutions, with Mitchell presenting himself as one of them.

The Colts understandably fell in love with Mitchell throughout the pre-draft process. The former Texas Longhorns standout recorded 55 receptions for 845 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns while avenging an explosive 15.4 yards per catch. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Mitchell then ran a blazing-fast 4.34 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Colts pounced on his availability at 52nd overall, which was later than most expected him to be drafted.

Steichen’s biggest challenge may be finding ways to get Pittman Jr., Pierce, and Mitchell on the field together. Before Downs’ injury, Pierce and Mitchell were involved in a position battle for the team’s “X” receiver spot. With neither player projecting as a primary slot receiver, Downs’ main position, Steichen needs to find ways to get his best healthy receivers on the field.

Mitchell and Pierce have taken turns at boundary receiver with the first-team offense. Pierce has seen a slightly larger workload, but the split has been relatively even. We'll monitor how the Colts pivot in the wake of Downs' injury.

Mitchell played 129 reps as a slot receiver at Texas last season, according to Pro Football Focus' charting. He played a much more sizable 604 reps out wide. The Colts have been utilizing him at the aforementioned "X" position throughout camp.

Mitchell's somewhat familiarity with the slot position could lead to more practice reps there. An alternative solution, maybe even the more realistic one, sees fellow rookie wideout Anthony Gould handle an increased workload as the slot receiver with the first-team offense. 

The undersized 5-foot-8 Gould was the team's fifth-round selection. The ex-Oregon State playmaker had been working as the slot receiver behind Downs and the starters with the second and third units. Gould has produced multiple big plays in the vertical passing game and should also see more opportunity while Downs is sidelined.

Downs' injury delivers a significant blow to the Colts offense. His stint on the mend will provide rookie receivers like Mitchell and Gould with more opportunities. It'll be interesting to monitor the impact, if any, on Mitchell's positional competition with Pierce. The Colts will miss Downs, but luckily they have a pair of rookie wideouts just itching for more opportunity.