WR Adonai Mitchell Fantasy
A popular pick to creep into the 1st round, Adonai Mitchell fell to pick 52, where the Indianapolis Colts drafted him. Mitchell did not get near as much hype as his fellow teammate, Xavier Worthy, but that doesn’t mean he can’t make an impact in the NFL. Mitchell, across his collegiate career at both Georgia and Texas, totaled 93 receptions for 1,405 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. While the touchdown numbers stand out, the production leaves you wanting a bit more. There are receivers in the NFL that put up those numbers yearly, and it took Mitchel three years to amass those stats. This is where many concerns are rooted for NFL teams and fantasy players alike. Will Mitchell produce at the NFL level in 2024 and beyond? Read on to see…
Fantasy Value
While the Colts drafted Alec Pierce and Josh Downs in back-to-back years, it seemed like an almost forgone conclusion that another receiver would be added to this mix. Mitchell immediately steps in as the de facto #2 receiver in this offense and makes for a good complement opposite Michael Pittman Jr. Mitchell boasts the same height as Pittman but is a bit smaller in his frame. However, this doesn’t mean he gets bullied by DBs. He has strong hands at the point of contact and will easily get open with exceptional route-running skills (rare in someone as big as he is). He transitions almost flawlessly between cuts and has speed, making him the leader in the Big 12 in touchdown receptions last year (11). While his production profile is limited, Mitchell will thrive with Anthony Richardson and co. Throughout the 2024 season. 50 receptions for 700 yards and 6 touchdowns is completely in the realm of possibility.
Dynasty Value
I think few players in this class hold more value than Mitchell. While he comes in at WR6 in my final rookie rankings, his current ADP has him at 14th overall and WR9. This is a bit shocking to me, but I can understand the lack of production being a cause for concern. To that, I say, flip on the tape. This guy is a baller and instantly upgrades this Colts passing attack. The good news is you should get him with an early to mid-round pick, which feels like highway robbery. We are talking about a guy who could produce similarly to Mike Evans throughout his career. While he may not be a perennial 1,000-yard receiver, he should get close as he develops. The biggest comparison is the touchdown numbers. Evans averages just over 9 touchdowns a season and this is something that Mitchell could easily do. After all, he had 11 touchdowns just last year.
Conclusion
Now, before you go and put words in my mouth, I want to say that Adonai Mitchell will be a great player. However, when you throw a future Hall of Famer’s name around, you tend to think he might be elite. I do not envision this career trajectory for Mitchell. Yes, he will be a solid receiver throughout his career, and if Pittman leaves Indianapolis after the 2026 season, Mitchell could step in and be the #1 guy. He’s going to thrive in a system that won’t pressure him to be “the” guy and he will learn from a receiver that is of similar build and skillset to his own. Sure, we want to draft him in redraft and expect him to be a monster, but he is a #3 WR in fantasy for me this year. As far as dynasty goes, you’re looking at a rock-solid #2 receiver with the chance to be the cornerstone of your team after a few years.
