The Indianapolis Colts general manager, Chris Ballard, made a smart move, trading down and drafting Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in the second round 52 pick. Mitchell falling down that low was a surprise at first glance, but there were other pressing matters at hand.
Before day 2 of the draft kicked off, an anonymous scout spread nasty rumors about Mitchell. There’s little clarity about what was said, but the consensus is that the 21-year-old has issues and flaws in his character.
Unsurprisingly, Ballard heard the rumor himself, and he was angry. When he sat down for the press conference, he defended the new Indianapolis Colts receiver.
I don't know; I've read some of the bull***t that was said on TV, just the typical fu***ig. Sorry, excuse my language. Our typical league, unnamed sources, bad interview—that's such bull**it. I mean, it fu***ig is bull***t. Like, put your name on it. I'm tired of it.Chris Ballard said
He further added that this practice of spreading unwarranted rumors must stop. As scouts and coaches, they should encourage young athletes and not attempt to tarnish their reputations.
We tear these young men down. [21–22-year-old men]. And if people out there could tell me they don't, they're perfect in their lives? It's crap. This is a good kid.Chris Ballard added
#Colts GM Chris Ballard just went OFF on anonymous sources tearing Texas WR Adonai Mitchell for character concerns.
“Put your name on it. We tear these young men down…. It’s crap. This is a good kid.”
pic.twitter.com/jdGgyJ48b6
Sticking up for a rookie is important. As Ballard highlighted, some people want to make young players’ lives miserable even before they enter the big leagues. Fortunately for Mitchell, he has a GM who can cover for him.
Adonai Mitchell expressed disappointment with the late pick
Mitchell played one season with the Longhorns after transferring from Georgia, where he was third or fourth choice. In Texas, he showed class and attracted a lot of attention while playing alongside the now Kansas City Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy.
In 2023, Mitchell played all 14 games, catching 55 passes for 845 yards (15.4 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns. Additionally, during the Combine, he completed a 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds and had an 11-foot, 4-inch broad jump.
He was hoping those numbers would be enough for him to be picked in the late first round, which did not happen. Colts beat writer Nate Atkins spoke with Mitchell, and his first thoughts were of frustration.
I'm just kind of pissed.Adonai Mitchell as per Nate Atkins
Adonai Mitchell starts off his first Colts interview in an interesting way.
"I'm just kind of pissed."
He doesn't seem very happy with how the draft has played out, but he said he's grateful to the Colts and ready to get to work.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) April 27, 2024Well, at least he can count his chickens lucky for landing in Indiana, where the offense is loaded with young talents. Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., and Josh Downs all have the capability of setting the NFL on fire on their day.
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