The Indianapolis Colts made a historic pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. At No. 15, they selected UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu. That selection ended a streak of 14 straight offensive players being selected to start the draft, which was a record.
It was a selection that some evaluators were not a big fan of. One NFL scout ripped apart the pick because of the other players who were available, as Indianapolis had their pick of the litter for defensive players.
Leading into the 2024 NFL Draft, rumors were swirling that the Colts were in the market for another weapon offensively. Xavier Worthy out of Texas was someone linked to Indianapolis, as the record-setting speedster would have added another dimension to their passing offense.
While the Colts ended up passing on Worthy in the first round, they landed a playmaker with their second-round pick. With the 20th pick in the second round, No. 52 overall, Indianapolis selected Worthy’s running mate, Texas wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell.
Mitchell, who started his collegiate career at Georgia, was very productive in 2023 with the Longhorns. He recorded 55 receptions for 845 yards with 11 touchdowns. He is a player that former Alabama head coach Nick Saban thinks very highly of, as he gave him a ringing endorsement during the draft telecast on ESPN.
“I think this guy is one of the top 5 receivers based on talent in this draft,” Saban said during his debut on TV as an analyst.
That is a bold take from Saban as this year’s class of wide receivers is one of the deepest groups in recent history. Players with the talent to go in the first round fell into the second round as there were just not enough spots in the first round to go around.
Mitchell was already the 10th wide receiver off the board, as they have littered the first 52 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft. He will join a deep group of pass-catchers around Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis, joining Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Alec Pierce.
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