Adonai Mitchell's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell impressed during the preseason and is trending toward being the team's primary slot receiver when the regular season kicks off this week, according to fantasy football analyst Jared Smola. Indianapolis spent a second-round pick on the Texas product, and it now appears he's poised to start in place of the injured Josh Downs (ankle). Even with a starting role, Mitchell might not be worth deploying right away in fantasy football. He's still behind Michael Pittman Jr. in the receiver room, and he'll also lose some opportunities to rushing threats Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson.

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught two of his four targets for 18 yards and a touchdown in the team's win against the Bengals. Mitchell played alongside all of Indy's starters, confirming that he will likely run with the ones for the Colts this season. With Josh Downs (ankle) sidelined with an injury, Mitchell has a shot at competing for the No. 2 receiver in the offense behind Michael Pittman Jr. Fantasy managers should prioritize Mitchell as a high-upside WR3/4 this upcoming season.

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is taking advantage of his increased playing time with the first team with Josh Downs (ankle) out. As per Kevin Bowen of The Fan, Friday was easily the best combined practice for him and teammate Alec Pierce. Both routinely worked with the starters, and notably, Mitchell ran out of the slot, hauling in three of three targets. The rookie wideout has nine receptions throughout training camp now, giving him the fourth-most among Colts pass-catchers, trailing only Michael Pittman Jr., Downs, and Kylen Granson. The Colts' coaching staff trusting Mitchell to expand his role so quickly is an encouraging sign. Downs' progress in return from injury is something to monitor, because if he were to miss time during the season, the former Texas Longhorn could return sleeper value in drafts this year. He's the NFFC WR66 (158 overall) currently in average draft position.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen commented on the competition between rookie wide receivers Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell, noting, "They're still battling. Both of those guys are making plays every day. I think both of them will have an impact for us this year, so I really like where they're both at." This competition becomes even more crucial, with Josh Downs (ankle) expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks, opening up additional opportunities for Pierce and Mitchell. Both will start in three-receiver sets alongside Michael Pittman, but one could secure a more significant role in two-receiver formations. Alec Pierce, who led the NFL in snaps last season with 1,090, is known for his durability and consistent play. Adonai Mitchell, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, brings significant potential to the table. While Mitchell's upside is notable, Pierce's experience and reliability make him the likely frontrunner for the starting role despite the tight competition.

On their first unofficial depth chart released in the preseason, the Indianapolis Colts listed rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce as co-starters at the No. 3 wideout position behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. It doesn't come as much of a surprise after Mitchell and Pierce have been rotating reps with the first-team offense so far in training camp. Pierce has been more consistent, although the 21-year-old Mitchell has had his share of impressive moments. Preseason action should help settle the battle before the start of the 2024 regular season. Even if Pierce opens the year as the WR3 for Indy, Mitchell's impressive physical attributes should make him a candidate to overtake Pierce by season's end if he can stay healthy. Mitchell is the higher-ceiling, late-round sleeper to target in deeper fantasy leagues this fall.