Two first-round picks were the centerpieces of the Indianapolis Colts’ package for Sauce Gardner.
But the New York Jets also received a tantalizing prospect who could be more than just a throw-in: wide receiver Adonai “AD” Mitchell.
Still only 23 years old, Mitchell was a second-round pick in 2024. He came into the NFL oozing with potential, offering a 4.34 forty time, 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, and a Big 12-leading 11 receiving touchdowns in his true junior season at Texas.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound big-play threat struggled to find his footing in Indianapolis. Mitchell failed to score a touchdown across 25 games, catching just 32 passes for 465 yards.
After a costly fumble earlier this season, Mitchell was in the Colts’ doghouse over the last few games, including one game where he was a healthy scratch.
Based on the stats, Mitchell seems like a lost cause and nothing more than a sweetener in the Gardner package.
Stats don’t hold a candle to the film, though.
And when you flip on Mitchell’s film, you see a much different player.
Mitchell constantly created separation for potential deep completions, even against elite cornerbacks like Derek Stingley. Unfortunately, he was usually missed by quarterback Anthony Richardson, who couldn’t even complete half of his passes in 2024.
This isn’t to say Mitchell is without fault for his own lack of production. The second-year wideout has plenty of weaknesses to clean up.
Overall, though, the route-running and separation skills displayed on tape are exciting for a Jets team desperately seeking help at wide receiver beyond Garrett Wilson.
So, why did the Colts give up on Mitchell? What are the weaknesses he needs to clean up? How high a ceiling does he have? What is his ideal role in the Jets’ offense?
We’re here to answer those questions (and many more) in the latest Blewett’s Blitz film review.
Seen below is the full Adonai Mitchell scouting report (strengths and weaknesses) and film review.
Strengths:
- Speed: 4.34 40 time shows up
- Catch radius
- Adjusts well to off-thrown balls
- Flexibility
- Body control and quickness for size
- Tracks ball well
- Plays with route pacing
- Works stems
- Uses throw-bys at top of routes
- Decent releases (at times)
- Will reduce to get past press
- Hop step, squirt and short stride releases
- Good double moves
- Uses peak technique
- Uses rocker steps
- Sideline awareness
Weaknesses:
- Didn’t see much YAC
- Contested catching is inconsistent
- Alligator arms in traffic
- Easy drops show up
- Doesn’t always high-point ball
- Inconsistent vs. press
- Not always ready for hands in press
- Wanted more on scramble drills
- Slips out of breaks too often
- Needs to attack football with more consistency
- Avoiding secondary contact
- More commitment to stop steps
- Doesn’t always look ball in
- Doesn’t always play โon timeโ
- Not a good blocker
- Effort spotty at times
- Back break technique

