AdonaiMitchell

News: 6 days agoMitchell 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.

Spin: 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.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: The Colts selected this big and rangy receiver in the second round of April's draft. The intent to deploy Mitchell on the outside as a field-stretcher appears clear given a collegiate career average of 15.1 yards per catch across three seasons split between Georgia and Texas. Capable versus both man and press coverage, it further helps Mitchell's case for starting snaps at the X that he placed in the 94th percentile among positional prospects in the 40-yard dash over the past 25 years, all while measuring at just above 6-foot-2. Target volume could hold him back from being a part of starting fantasy lineups early on, but the upside is clear for a player ideally matched for Anthony Richardson's rocket right arm.