Mitchell enters this season as the No. 4 receiver for the Colts, and he has minimal Fantasy value in that role. He's not worth drafting in the majority of leagues. Mitchell will open the season behind Michael Pittman, Josh Downs and Alec Pierce on the depth chart, and Mitchell also has to compete with Tyler Warren for targets. It could lead to another season with minimal production, and Mitchell struggled in his rookie campaign in 2024 with 23 catches for 312 yards and no touchdowns on 55 targets. Eventually, Mitchell's role could expand, but it might not happen in 2025. Keep an eye on his production, and if he surprises us then add him off the waiver wire in deeper leagues.
Colts' Adonai Mitchell: One catch in preseason finale
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Mitchell brought in his only target for four yards in the Colts' 41-14 preseason win over the Bengals on Saturday afternoon.
Mitchell was in on the opening possession, when he recorded his four-yard grab from the afternoon's starter, Riley Leonard. The second-year wideout saw limited playing time this preseason on his way to a 4-49 line on eight targets across the trio of exhibitions, and he projects to open the season as the likely No. 4 receiver.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: One catch in second preseason game
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Mitchell had one reception for eight yards on his lone target in Saturday's preseason loss to Green Bay. He also had a key offsides penalty which negated a 38-yard pass play to Anthony Gould.
Mitchell has been a star of training camp by dominating opposing corners in scrimmages, according to James Boyd of The Athletic, but his path to success during regular-season games isn't clear. Mitchell sits fourth on the depth chart at receiver and the Colts may struggle to have competent quarterback play. Mitchell also needs to avoid mistakes like the one he made Saturday and last season. Still, he could surprise if given an extended opportunity this season.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Targeted six times
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Mitchell caught two of six targets for 37 yards in Thursday's preseason game at Baltimore.
The Colts used QBs Anthony Richardson (finger) and Daniel Jones but rested most of their other projected starters, including WRs Michael Pittman, Josh Downs and Alec Pierce. That left Mitchell, Ashton Dulin and Anthony Gould with heavy workloads throughout the first half, drawing at least four targets apiece. For Mitchell, it was much the same as what we saw last season, with his ability to get open and draw targets not translating to production -- both because of shaky QB play and his own struggles finishing catches. Reports out of Indy training camp have been positive, however, suggesting the 2024 second-round pick looks stronger and more consistent than he did last year.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Coming on after slow start
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Mitchell stood out in the past week after continuing to struggle with drops in the first week of training camp, Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star reports.
Mitchell had the lowest catch rate among wide receivers with at least 45 targets in his rookie season at 41.8 percent (23 catches on 55 targets). The 2024 second-round pick dropped at least four passes in the first week of training camp but turned things around by catching at least three deep passes in the Colts' last four practices. Mitchell's listed as a reserve behind starters Michael Pittman (groin), Josh Downs and Alec Pierce on the Colts' unofficial depth chart ahead of Thursday's preseason opener against the Ravens.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Held catchless in win
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Mitchell failed to secure his lone target in Sunday's 26-23 win over the Jaguars.
Mitchell was a complete non-factor in Sunday's contest, unable to reel in the only pass that came his way. The rookie wideout played just 16 of the Colts' 78 offensive snaps while operating as the No. 4 wide receiver behind Michael Pittman (71), Alec Pierce (64) and Josh Downs (59). Mitchell finished the 2024 campaign with just 23 receptions for 312 yards, failing to find the end zone through 17 games. The 22-year-old will enter the second year of his rookie deal in 2025, as the Colts will likely look to get the young receiver more involved in their offensive attack now that he has more experience within their system.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Big gain on one catch Sunday
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Mitchell recorded a 36-yard reception on his only target in the Colts' 38-30 win over the Titans on Sunday.
The speedy rookie finished second on the team in receiving yards despite the modest total as he filled the perimeter role normally belonging to the sidelined Alec Pierce (concussion). Mitchell's 36-yard reception in the latter portion of the second quarter helped set up a Matt Gay field goal and gave Mitchell, who hadn't recorded a reception in the previous two games, his fourth catch of 20-plus yards on the campaign. If Pierce is unable to clear concussion protocol in time for a Week 17 road matchup against the Giants, Mitchell will remain a boom-or-bust option against a secondary that's given up some big plays this season.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: No receptions again in loss
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Mitchell did not have a reception on four targets in Sunday's loss at Denver. He also threw a backwards pass that was returned for a touchdown on a trick play and officially ruled a fumble.
For a second consecutive game, Mitchell got significant playing time on offense (37 of the offense's 76 snaps) but failed to produce. He had no receptions on two targets in a Week 13 loss to the Patriots. Mitchell had a rapport with Anthony Richardson on deep passes earlier in the season, but they've failed to rekindle the connection since the QB's return to the lineup.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Rise continues in Week 10 loss
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Mitchell brought in all six targets for 71 yards in the Colts' 30-20 loss to the Bills on Sunday. He also committed a fumble, but it was recovered by Indianapolis.
The rookie set new career highs in receptions and receiving yards while also setting the pace in catches on the day for the Colts. Mitchell's target total was also the second highest of his young career, with the fact Michael Pittman (back) was inactive undoubtedly helping the second-round pick's cause. Mitchell should continue to see a progressively larger role through the second half of the season, although his outlook is arguably brighter with the more accurate Joe Flacco under center as opposed to the more erratic Anthony Richardson.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Expected to see elevated snaps
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With Michael Pittman (back) ruled out, Mitchell is expected to see elevated offensive snaps in Sunday's game against the Bills, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.
"He's improving, so looking forward to him playing this week," coach Shane Steichen said of Mitchell. The rookie played a season-low five offensive snaps in last Sunday night's loss to the Vikings, but he's expected to bump up the depth chart alongside Josh Downs and Alec Pierce, and Ashton Dulin also will see playing time as a plus blocker in the run game. Mitchell has big-play ability but has been unable to show it yet in the NFL, having failed to reach 40 receiving yards in any game this season.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Just one reception in loss
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Mitchell had one reception for nine yards on four targets in Sunday's loss at Houston.
Mitchell again continues to be a favorite of quarterback Anthony Richardson in the fourth receiver role as he had four targets on ten routes while playing on just 13 of the offense's 64 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. However, the Colts may switch to Joe Flacco at quarterback this week at Minnesota.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Two receptions in win
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Mitchell had two receptions for 30 yards on three targets in Sunday's win over Miami.
Mitchell played on just 14 of the offense's 62 snaps operating as the No. 4 receiver but was second on the team in targets. He's developed a rapport with Anthony Richardson on deep passes but may not get many targets unless the Colts are playing from far behind.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Four receptions in loss
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Mitchell had four receptions for 38 yards on seven targets and one carry for four yards in Sunday's loss at Jacksonville.
Mitchell surprisingly played on 19 of the offense's 79 snaps and had seven targets after having no receptions and four targets combined the prior two games with the return of Josh Downs from an ankle injury. Mitchell had another drop and mixed performance, so he may struggle to find steady work as the No. 4 receiver with the top three options healthy. He appeared to have won the third receiver role over Alec Pierce in the preseason, but Pierce has a clear hold on that job at this point.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Held catchless against Steelers
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Mitchell failed to secure any of his three targets in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Steelers.
Mitchell added one carry for 10 yards in the contest. The rookie wideout failed to record a catch for the second-straight week with teammate Josh Downs back in the lineup in each of the last two games. Mitchell played 20 percent of the Colts' offensive snaps in Week 4, limiting his opportunities to contribute in a meaningful way. As long as Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce and Downs are healthy, the 21-year-old Mitchell will likely continue to operate in a reserve role, limiting his fantasy utility. The Colts will visit the Jaguars in Week 5.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Moves to limited role
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Mitchell did not have a reception and had just one target in Sunday's win over Chicago.
With Josh Downs returning from a high ankle sprain, Mitchell moved to a reserve role. Mitchell played just seven snaps on offense and fell behind Alec Pierce, who played on 43 of the offense's 56 snaps. He even played less than Ashton Dulin (14 snaps). Mitchell appeared to have won the third receiver role over Pierce in the preseason, but Pierce has had several big plays the first three games while Mitchell had a crucial drop Week 2. It may take some time before Mitchell finds a prominent role in the offense again barring injuries to the top three receivers.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Week 2 Waiver Priority List
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Alec Pierce (1 percent rostered) had the best game for the Colts receivers against Houston with three catches for 125 yards and a touchdown on three targets, but Mitchell nearly had a huge game as well on some missed opportunities. He finished one catch for 2 yards on five targets, and I want to stash Mitchell on my bench based on his upside, especially while Josh Downs (ankle) is out. Mitchell is worth adding for up to 5 percent of your remaining FAB.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Scores TD in preseason finale
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Mitchell caught two of four targets for 18 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 27-14 preseason win over the Bengals.
Mitchell had a pair of nine-yard receptions on the opening drive, the second of which resulted in a touchdown over the middle from the slot. Anthony Richardson completed only one more pass across the starters' four other drives in the game, so Richardson was unable to build on his hot start. Mitchell's ability to line up outside or in the slot should earn the rookie second-round pick plenty of playing time out of the gate, especially with Josh Downs' (ankle) status uncertain for the Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Texans.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Catches pass from backup QB
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Mitchell caught one of two targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 34-30 preseason loss to the Broncos. He started at slot receiver with the starting offense.
Both of Mitchell's targets came from backup Joe Flacco on the third drive of the game, as the rookie wide receiver wasn't thrown to by Anthony Richardson on the first two possessions. Mitchell and Alec Pierce had been splitting first-team reps in training camp prior to Josh Downs' high-ankle sprain in practice Wednesday, which could open the door for both Mitchell and Pierce to play prominent roles early in the regular season alongside No. 1 receiver Michael Pittman. Mitchell will look to flash more of the skills that made him a second-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft when the Colts continue preseason play Saturday against the Cardinals.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Gets work as slot receiver
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Mitchell worked in the slot with the first-team offense in Friday's practice with Josh Downs sidelined with a high-ankle sprain, Kevin Bowen of 92.5 FM The Fan Indianapolis reports.
Mitchell and Alex Pierce have been in competition for the No. 3 receiver role, but both could begin the campaign in three-receiver sets if Downs misses regular-season games. It's notable that Mitchell got work in the slot, as he had mostly been seen as a perimeter receiver and deep threat. The 2024 second-round draft pick could find an additional path to playing time as a result.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Listed as co-starter at No. 3 WR
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Mitchell and Alec Pierce are listed as co-starters at the third wide receiver spot on the Colts' first unofficial depth chart.
Mitchell and Pierce have been splitting time with the first-team offense so far in training camp, with reports suggesting Pierce has been more productive but Mitchell has had impressive moments. It's still early in the competition for playing time, but it's notable that the Colts are giving the rookie equal billing so soon rather than deferring to the more senior wideout.
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Colts' Adonai Mitchell: Even split for No. 3 WR competition
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Mitchell and Alec Pierce have rotated playing time between the first- and second-team offenses through the first week of training camp, Indianapolis 93.5 The Fan reports.
Mitchell and Pierce are battling for the No. 3 receiver role in the offense. It's early in the contest, but it's notable that Mitchell as the rookie didn't immediately begin camp with the second unit. The Colts used the 52nd pick in the 2024 Draft on Mitchell, a combine standout who made a strong impression in spring practices.
