OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell dazzled in a joint practice against the Baltimore Ravens, showcasing the explosive talent that eluded him during a lackluster rookie season.
Mitchell dominated one-on-one drills, burning Ravens defensive backs with precise routes and blazing speed. He hauled in a 45-yard bomb from quarterback Anthony Richardson, leaving rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins in his wake. Mitchell celebrated the play by yelling “burnt toast” toward the sideline, drawing gasps from fans and cheers from his teammates. He repeated the feat multiple times, torching every defender he faced and turning heads with his separation skills.
The performance marked a stark contrast to Mitchell’s 2024 campaign, when he struggled to find his footing in the NFL. Drafted in the second round out of Texas, Mitchell caught just 23 of 55 targets for a league-worst 41.8% completion rate. Injuries to quarterbacks and inconsistent playcalling hampered the Colts’ offense, limiting Mitchell’s opportunities. He appeared in 14 games, starting seven, but totaled only 327 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Critics pointed to drops and route-running inconsistencies, while supporters blamed the chaos around him.
Colts coaches and teammates expressed confidence in Mitchell’s growth heading into his second year. He arrived at training camp leaner and more focused, emphasizing physical conditioning and mental sharpness. Early camp sessions showed flashes of brilliance, including back-to-back deep touchdowns against veteran cornerbacks. The joint practice amplified those gains, as Mitchell exploited mismatches against Baltimore’s vaunted secondary.
Richardson, entering his third season, connected seamlessly with Mitchell throughout the session. The quarterback completed 7 of 9 passes against starters, with Mitchell accounting for several key gains. The duo’s chemistry hinted at a potent downfield threat, something the Colts lacked last year amid Richardson’s own injury woes.
Defensively, the Colts held their own, with rookie safety Hunter Wohler snagging two interceptions off Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Tensions flared late in practice when Wiggins and Mitchell exchanged words after a heated rep, leading to a brief scuffle that officials quickly diffused.
Mitchell’s breakout potential hinges on consistency. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he possesses elite size and speed, running a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the combine. Analysts project him as a boundary receiver capable of stretching defenses, complementing star Michael Pittman Jr. and slot option Josh Downs. If Mitchell maintains this momentum through preseason games, he could eclipse 800 receiving yards and emerge as a WR2 in fantasy circles.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard downplayed concerns about Mitchell’s rookie struggles, attributing them to youth and inexperience. The team views him as a cornerstone piece in an offense aiming to rebound from a 9-8 record and playoff miss.
As the Colts prepare for their preseason opener against the Ravens on Thursday, Mitchell’s performance serves as a reminder of his untapped upside. He aims to translate practice dominance into game-day production, silencing doubts and igniting a sophomore surge.
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