Category: Latest Colts News

Colts GM Chris Ballard passionately defends WR Adonai Mitchell

Colts GM Chris Ballard passionately defended wide receiver Adonai Mitchell when speaking with reporters following Day 2 of the NFL draft.

After initially trading down from pick 46 to 52 in the second round of the NFL Draft, the Colts were able to land the playmaking presence at receiver that they very much needed, selecting Adonai Mitchell out of Texas.

In what is a loaded wide receiver draft class, Mitchell was 27th ranked prospect overall on Daniel Jeremiah’s big board and the fourth-ranked wide receiver.

During the pre-draft process, an “anonymous scout” criticized Mitchell’s character. Following Day 2 of the draft, when asked about Mitchell, Ballard passionately defended him.

Please note that the video below is NSFW and does contain expletive language.

Mitchell brings elite speed to the Colts offense, running a 4.34-second 40-yard dash. That vertical presence is an important element to have in Shane Steichen’s offense and can open up opportunities elsewhere for other pass-catchers.

His ability as a route runner gives Mitchell the potential to grow into a top target within the offense who can impact the game on all levels of the field.

It’s been no secret that added playmaking was needed around Anthony Richardson, and Mitchell will bring that to the table right away.

Top highlights of Colts 3rd round draft pick OT Matt Goncalves

Here are some top highlights from Colts’ third-round draft pick and offensive tackle Matt Goncalves.

The Colts traded up three spots in the third round to select Pitt offensive tackle Matt Goncalves.

Goncalves has experience playing both tackle spots, and in some draft reports it is mentioned that he could move to guard if needed. His 2023 season was cut short due to a toe injury, but in 2022, he allowed no sacks and 17 pressures. He would rank 55th in PFF’s run-blocking grade.

The addition of Goncalves is perhaps one that Chris Ballard couldn’t pass up. We’ve seen in the past that this is a position group he is willing to invest in and the depth of this draft class likely led to a few tackles being at the top of the Colts’ draft board at various points.

In the short-term, the Colts need depth at tackle with only four on the roster entering the draft. In the long-run, Braden Smith is in the final year of his deal in 2025 and comes with a $19-plus million cap hit. Naturally, as a young player, Blake Freeland still has some question marks.

Here is a look at some of Goncalves top highlights:

Instant takeaways from Colts picking Pitt OT Matt Goncalves

Here are the instant takeaways following the Colts trading up in the third-round to select Pitt offensive tackle Matt Goncalves.

Here are my instant takeaways following the Colts jumping up a few spots in the third-round of the NFL Draft to select Pitt offensive tackle Matt Goncalves.

– In terms of Relative Athletic Score (RAS), Goncalves is a bit of an outlier compared to what we’ve seen from Ballard over the last two drafts. Goncalves’ RAS was 7.69. Only three selections in the last two years had a RAS below 9.0, and the lowest was 8.48.

– Goncalves missed the final nine games of the 2023 season with a big toe injury. In 2022, he allowed no sacks and 17 pressures. He ranked 55th out of 200 eligible tackles in PFF’s run-blocking grade and 56th in pass-blocking efficiency.

– Goncalves has experience playing both tackle spots. In Lance Zierlein’s pre-draft scouting report, he mentions that Goncalves could move inside if needed, but I would imagine the Colts will give him every opportunity to stick at tackle.

– The Colts are returning their starting five from a unit that was good in both pass protection and the run game last season. However, if we look ahead to 2025, Braden Smith will be in the final year of his current deal and comes with a hefty cap hit of almost $20 million and Blake Freeland took his lumps as a rookie.

– If the Colts do think Goncalves could be an option at guard, Will Fries is set to be a free agent in 2025.

– During his pre-draft press conference, Chris Ballard spoke very highly about the depth of the offensive tackle draft class, mentioning that very good players could be found in the middle and even late portions of the draft.

– At a minimum, depth had to be added to this position group. Before the draft, only four offensive tackles were on the roster–that just isn’t enough to get through training camp and the preseason.

– As it should be, it is one of the most important positions in football; offensive tackle continues to be a position that Ballard invests in. In recent drafts, he selected Freeland, Bernhard Raimann, and Jake Witt.

– Using the Rich Hill trade value chart, the Colts overpaid slightly to move up. The Colts got pick 79 (57) from Arizona, and sent the Cardinals picks 82 (54) and 191 (6). When the Colts moved down in the second-round with Carolina, they netted six points.

BREAKING: Colts bolster OL depth, taking Pitt OT Matt Goncalves

In the third-round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Colts selected Pitt OT Matt Goncalves. Here is a quick breakdown of the pick with what you need to know.

In the third-round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Colts selected Pitt offensive tackle Matt Goncalves, after trading up with the Cardinals, moving from pick 82 to 79, inexchange for pick 191 in the sixth-round.

Here is a quick breakdown of the pick with what you need to know.

Height: 6-6

Weight: 327

RAS: 7.69

Stats to know: A big toe injury forced Goncalves to miss the final nine games of the 2023 season. In 2022, he allowed no sacks and 17 pressures. He ranked 56th out of 200 tackles in pass-blocking efficiency and 55th in PFF’s run-blocking grade. Goncalves has the ability to play both tackle spots.

Positional need: At a minimum, the Colts needed to bolster their depth at this position. They entered the draft with only four offensive tackles in the roster, which isn’t nearly enough to get through training camp and the preseason. In the long term, as we look ahead to 2025, Braden Smith will be in the final year of his deal, which will come with a nearly $20 million cap hit. As a rookie, Blake Freeland experienced ups and downs in 2023. Offensive tackle is a premier position and one that teams should always prioritize. I’m also guessing that with how deep the draft class is at this position, the value was too good for Chris Ballard to pass up.

What Lance Zierlein had to say: “Beefy lineman with experience at both tackle spots who should be able to transition inside if needed. He’s not a natural knee-bender and lacks leverage as a projected guard but has the mass and power to execute blocks inside. He’s a decent athlete for his size but is limited as a move blocker. He’s sound in pass protection, with the only real issue being his inability to change direction quickly against counters and twists. Goncalves might get a shot to prove himself at tackle early in his career but limited foot quickness will shrink his margin for error. The physical traits and two-position potential could make him a middle-round pick with eventual starter potential.”

Top highlights of Colts draft pick WR Adonai Mitchell

Here are some of the top highlights from Colts’ second-round pick, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

After trading back from pick 46, the Colts landed Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell–adding a needed playmaking presence to this offense.

Mitchell brings very good size and elite 4.34 speed to the Colts’ offense. He had a breakout year with Texas in 2023 after transferring from Georgia. Mitchell was often targeted more downfield with that speed of his and averaged 15.4 yards per catch with 11 touchdowns.

A vertical presence is an important element of Shane Steichen’s offense, and Mitchell can help provide that. Last season, the Colts ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in explosive pass plays. A player who can win downfield regularly will help create opportunities for others within the offense.

Here are some of the top highlights from the Colts’ second-round pick:

Instant takeaways from Colts selecting Texas WR Adonai Mitchell

With the 52nd pick in the NFL Draft, the Colts selected Texas WR Adonai Mitchell, here are the initial takeaways from the selection.

With the 52nd pick in the NFL Draft, the Colts selected Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Here are the initial takeaways from the selection:

– Mitchell fits the mold for what the Colts look for at receiver. A big target at 6-2 – 205 pounds with an elite Relative Athletic Score of 9.99, which included a 4.34-second 40-yard dash.

– Mitchell had his breakout season in 2023 with Texas, totaling 845 receiving yards at 15.4 yards per catch with 11 touchdowns.

– Mitchell’s first two seasons were played at Georgia, where he totaled 38 receptions, only nine of which came in 2022, 552 yards and seven touchdowns.

– Mitchell was often a more downfield target in the Texas offense with an average depth of target of 16.0 yards, which was he seventh most in college football.

– The downfield element is a key component of Shane Steichen’s offense and something that was consistently missing in 2023. That presence will not only create shot play opportunities, but Mitchell’s gravity can help open up other parts of the field for Michael Pittman and Josh Downs.

– The Colts have made it clear this offseason that they wanted to add playmaking on the offensive side of the ball. Last season, albeit without Anthony Richardson, they ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in explosive pass plays. Although Pittman and Downs provide a strong foundation at the position, both averaged under 12.0 yards per catch.

– Perhaps early on, Mitchell’s biggest impact comes as a downfield target, but he has the potential to develop into a true top pass-catching option who can make an impact in all parts of the field. He brings a solid route-running foundation to the NFL.

– With that 4.34 speed, Steichen’s ability to get the ball in space and utilize him as a pre-snap motion man can cause some havoc for opposing defenses.

– Mitchell is one of the top talents in this draft class at a loaded position. Many draft analysts thought that he could be a first-round selection.

BREAKING: Colts get playmaking help, taking Texas WR Adonai Mitchell

In the second-round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Colts selected Texas WR Adonai Mitchell. Here is a quick breakdown of the pick with what you need to know.

In the second-round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Colts selected Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Here is a quick breakdown of the pick with what you need to know.

Height: 6-2

Weight: 205

RAS: 9.99

Stats to know: Mitchell has good size and brings excellent speed to the position, running a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, as a boundary target. Mitchell had a breakout year in 2023, totaling 845 yards at an impressive 15.4 yards per catch with 11 touchdowns. Mitchell’s average depth of target was 16.0 yards downfield, which ranked seventh in college football.

Positional need: The Colts needed more playmaking and weapons around Anthony Richardson. As an offense, they ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in 2023 in explosive pass plays. While Michael Pittman and Josh Downs provide a good foundation at the position, both averaged under 12.0 yards per catch last season.

What Daniel Jeremiah had to say: “Mitchell has outstanding size, toughness and polish for the position. He is fast and has a long stride. He has surprisingly good route polish for a bigger receiver. He understands how to change tempo, and he’s clean getting in and out of breaks. He gave Kool-Aid McKinstry a lot of trouble in the Alabama game last September, finishing with three catches for 78 yards and two TDs. He has some wow catches on fades and 50/50 balls. He can climb the ladder, hang and finish. It looks like he gets a little lazy at times on the back side of routes, assuming the ball is going elsewhere. He doesn’t have a ton of production after the catch. Overall, though, Mitchell is an ideal X receiver. He can make plays when covered, and he’s a real weapon in the red zone.”

Breaking down Colts trade down with Panthers via trade value chart

Using the Rich Hill trade value chart, here is a breakdown of the Colts second-round trade with the Carolina Panthers.

The Colts made the decision to trade down in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. They moved from pick 46 to 52 and accumulated picks 142 and 155 in the fifth-round.

The trade value chart was created by former Dallas head coach Jimmy Johnson in the 1990s to help determine if a trade of just draft picks was fair by assigning each selection a numeric value. Over the years, changes have been made, but the concept remains the same.

Below is a breakdown of the Colts trade using the Rich Hill model:

Colts receive: Picks 52 (109), 142 (14), 155 (11) = 134

Panthers receive: Pick 46 (128) = 128

By this chart, the Colts left with some additional value, netting an additional six points. Six points on the Rich Hill chart is the equivalent of the 194th pick or a sixth-round selection.

Overall, the Colts now have nine picks in this draft, three of which will come in the fifth-round. Positions of need that they’ll still have to address are cornerback, receiver, and safety. Other, perhaps less pressing needs include linebacker, the interior offensive line, and adding offensive tackle depth.

BREAKING: Colts trade down with Panthers in second round

The Colts traded down with the Panthers in the second round of the NFL Draft. Here is what you need to know.

The Colts held the 46th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft but decided to trade down with the Carolina Panthers.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Colts acquired picks 52, 142, and 155 for pick 46.

The Colts entered the draft with seven selections, on the lower side with only four teams having fewer picks than them. Overall, by draft capital value, the Colts ranked 21st prior to the first round.

The Colts now have nine picks in total, including the first round, with three of those selections coming in the fifth round.

After addressing edge rusher in the first round with Laiatu Latu, wide receiver and cornerback remain two of the biggest needs that the Colts have. Early on in the second round, we saw a run on receivers, and just before the Colts were on the clock, there was a run on corners.

Both draft classes are considered strong, so finding some immediate help at both should still be in play.

Gaining those additional Day 3 picks allows the Colts to tackle other, perhaps less pressing needs, which include safety, the interior offensive line, linebacker, tight ned potentially, and building out their offensive tackle depth with only four players currently on the roster.

Colts continue heavy investment into defensive front by selecting Laiatu Latu

With the addition of edge rusher Laiatu Latu, the Colts continue to invest heavily into their defensive front this offseason.

This offseason, there have been two clear points of emphasis for the Colts. The first was that they prioritized re-signing their own players over making outside additions. The second was bolstering their defensive front, and not only for 2024 but for 2025 and beyond.

In the last few months, we’ve seen the Colts re-sign Grover Stewart to a three-year deal. They also added Raekwon Davis as an outside free agent on a two-year contract and extended DeForest Buckner through the 2026 season.

Then, in the first round of the NFL Draft, the Colts further bolstered their pass rush by selecting UCLA’s Laiatu Latu.

“I think our defensive front is the best since we’ve been here. It’s excellent. It’s excellent, and we’re really excited about it.”

Buckner has been one of the best, most well-rounded interior defenders for several seasons now. Stewart’s presence was greatly missed in the run game last season when the Colts were without him. To put it simply, this was a completely different run defense unit when he was on the field versus off.

That is where the addition of Davis comes into play to help beef up the interior defensive line rotation during obvious running downs or when Stewart isn’t on the field.

Latu will be tasked with adding more consistency to the Colts’ pass rush overall. Although this is a defense that set a franchise record in sacks in 2023  and totaled the fifth-most in football, they did not get after the quarterback regularly, ranking 23rd in pressures. From a sustainability standpoint, if the Colts are going to duplicate that sack production in 2024, they’ll have to generate pressure more consistently.

Latu has been one of the most disruptive pass rushers in college football in the last two seasons. In 2023, he ranked first in pass rush win rate and fifth in total pressures.

Success for any defensive unit begins with the play in the trenches. For a Colts’ defense that still has some question marks in the secondary, the defensive front’s ability to stop the run and get after the quarterback can benefit the defensive backs greatly.

When a front is able to limit the run game, it puts the offense in long down-and-distance situations, where the pass rush can pin its ears back, and the defensive backs have the advantage from a coverage standpoint. It’s these instances that can lead to turnover opportunities as well.

And, of course, we all know that the name of the game in today’s NFL is pressuring the quarterback. Without that element, most offenses will pick defenses apart.

The fastest and most effective way to disrupt any offensive play, whether it’s a run or a pass, is with a quick push up the middle and from the defensive front. When that is taking place, there isn’t a position group on the field that doesn’t benefit.

Soon, the Colts will have to make a decision on whether or not they will pick up Kwity Paye’s fifth-year option for the 2025 season. This is another potential move that could again showcase the Colts’ willingness to solidify this unit.

“Our stable up front, it’s good,” said Ballard. “We’re really good up front.”