Colts 2nd-Round Pick Adonai Mitchell Dependable in Big Games

AD Mitchell consistently shows up and shows out in big moments. No wonder Reggie Wayne said they got a steal after drafting him.

Adonai “AD” Mitchell may have fallen out of the top 50 picks due to his polarizing prospect profile, though talent is by no means a concern with him. If you ask GM Chris Ballard, those pesky effort concerns that have been thrown around are nothing but “bulls***.” Ironically, what I’m most intrigued by when it comes to Mitchell is his effort in the games that matter most.

AD Mitchell played in all three of his collegiate seasons, starting with an impressive campaign as a true freshman at Georgia. After helping the dominant 2021-2023 Bulldogs win back-to-back National Championships, Mitchell transferred to Texas to be more comfortable and better equipped back home to raise his daughter while also competing for a third ring.

What never changed for AD Mitchell was his ability to show up in the postseason. During the 4-team CFP era, any 3-year stretch would at most allow for any team and/or player to compete in 6 playoff games. During his 3-year career amidst P5 football, Mitchell scored in every single playoff game (5) he played in.

Three semi-finals and two National Championships. Needless to say, the saying “big-time players make big-time plays” could not reign truer for AD Mitchell.

The concern regarding Mitchell is that of his effort in the games that “don’t matter as much,” aka the regular season. Now, any college football fan will tell you that every game matters, and I would agree, though many scouts’ points are that his willingness between the two game types is night and day.

Although there may be some merit to the aforementioned concern(s), I believe Mitchell’s play in the big moments is ultimately what sold HC Shane Steichen and WRs Coach Reggie Wayne on his services. They’ve seen what he’s accomplished in three collegiate seasons and his mentality when it matters most solidifies Mitchell, in their eyes, as the 1st round talent he’d been hyped up to be. Now, they look to put the pieces of the AD Mitchell puzzle together.