Colts GM Defends Character of Adonai Mitchell After Criticisms

After various criticisms of Adonai Mitchell’s character, the Colts general manager defended the selection of the player.

INDIANAPOLIS — The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts Chris Ballard fiercely defended second-round pick Adonai Mitchellagainst criticism of his character after selecting the friday night wide receivercalling the former Texas star’s convictions “stupid” during a lengthy rant.

Adonai Mitchell was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Mitchellselected in 52nd place overall, I expected to be selected in the first roundbut fell to the second round amid reports that he had interviewed poorly and was a difficult player to evaluate.

Ballard rejected those reports.

“I read some of the stupid things he said.”Ballard said. “Excuse my language. Our typical league: anonymous sources, bad interviews. That’s bullshit. I mean, it is. It’s bullshit. Put your name on it. I’m tired. We took these kids down.

“These are young people of 21, 22 years old. And can people tell me that they are perfect in their lives? It’s crazy. It’s a s—. This is a good boy. And for those reports to come out, “It’s stupid.”

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Mitchell also appeared defiant earlier Friday when he spoke to reporters in Indianapolis, opening his virtual interview by saying that “I just feel like I’m a little angry. I really don’t know what else to call it.”

When asked if he was upset because he was the The 11th receiver selected overall, Mitchell replied: “I understand that’s the way it is. So I’m ready to work. At the end of the day, people have been chosen before. That is the reality, and my job now is to make them pay and bring my best version every day to the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts were very interested in Mitchell, but opted to trade from the 45th pick to the 52nd pick, prompting an even longer wait for Mitchell and likely led to more frustration.

When the Colts called him to inform him that he would be their next pick, Ballard broke the ice by asking, “‘Are you tired of sitting?’ The passion came through quite clearly over the phone.”

Ballard later admitted that Mitchell will need grow a little, like many rookies.

“Look, he’s like any young player,” Ballard said. “They’ve developed a lot now, especially in college football. I mean, NIL and all the things they go through, sometimes a little bit of adversity, a little bit of humility is a good thing. “I think he will respond.”

Mitchell caught 55 passes for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns in his lone season at Texas in 2023. His 11 touchdowns were the fifth-most in a single season in Longhorns history.

When asked to describe his game, Mitchell was concise and direct.

“The best,” he said.

2024-04-27 16:13:35
#Colts #backs #Mitchell #pick