Colts Rookie Was Inches Away from a Massive NFL Debut

The Indianapolis Colts played host to the Houston Texans in Week 1 divisional showdown.

It was a game that very well could set the tone for both teams heading into the rest of their schedules and may prove to be important in January when deciding the standings.

As a result, there was a lot of anticipation for Colts fans, not only to see the result of the game, but to see new receiver and second-round pick Adonai Mitchell take the field alongside dynamic quarterback Anthony Richardson. And oh, was the Colts rookie so close to having a historic NFL debut.

Colts Rookie Was Inches Away from a Massive NFL Debut

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (10) catches the ball during the Colts’ training camp Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.

In the end, Mitchell caught just one of his five targets for a measly two yards. Certainly not the most memorable start to a career, and PFF wasn’t impressed either, giving Mitchell an overall grade of just 47.6. So what is the hype all about?

Well, of those five targets, three of them were severe overthrows from Richardson despite Mitchell completely breaking free from his defender.

Two of these overthrows certainly would have resulted in touchdowns had they been more on target, and a third would have been around a 30-yard gain.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (10) drops a pass in the first quarter of the NFL preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.

Throughout Mitchell’s collegiate career, he was one of the most dynamic receivers on the field every weekend. Mitchell transferred from Georgia to Texas in 2023, and it proved to be the correct decision. After largely playing in a depth role for the Bulldogs over his first two collegiate seasons, Mitchell totaled 55 receptions for 845 yards (15.4 yards per catch), and 11 touchdowns during his final collegiate season.

At 6’4″, Mitchell proved capable of winning reps with his physicality, and he is a solid speed threat downfield as well. All of those skills were put on display during his NFL debut, and with a couple better passes from his quarterback, it could have been the ultimate start to his career.

Hopefully, we can see it all come into fruition later this year.