Colts rookie is making a case as top target for Anthony Richardson after just one game

The Indianapolis Colts played their first preseason game of the 2024 calendar and fans were elated to see the newcomers take the field for the first time. One rookie who fans were watching closely was none other than former Texas product Adonai Mitchell, who the Colts spent a second-round pick on in this year's draft.

Mitchell had an excellent season for the Longhorns in 2023, hauling in 55 receptions for 845 yards and finding the end zone 11 times. The Colts were thrilled to land him in the second round of the draft and now hope that he can become Anthony Richardson's new favorite weapon.

Well, after the preseason opener, it appears as though Mitchell is working his way toward being the top target for Richardson. The second-year quarterback only was on the field for seven plays in the preseason opener, and three players took 100% of the snaps with Richardson. Mitchell played in 71% of snaps with Richardson, which is quite a bit for a rookie in his first glimpse of NFL action.

This is also good news for Mitchell because he wasn't initially thought to be a starter with the team. The original starting trio was likely going to be Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs. Unfortunately, Downs was injured before the preseason game and that should see Mitchell get elevated to a starting role. This wasn't how the Colts wanted this to happen but now that they're down a starter, getting Mitchell up to speed is of utmost importance.

Adonai Mitchell striving to be Anthony Richardson's top weapon

Richardson is entering the second year of his NFL career and started just four games in 2023 before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the year. The Colts ensured that he'd have a plethora of weapons at his disposal for a crucial second season and Mitchell is hopefully going to help him become the best quarterback he can be.

The AFC South isn't a slouch of a division anymore with three teams finishing with winning records a season ago. That means if the Colts want to win the division for the first time since 2014, they need their offense to be firing on all cylinders. Mitchell is hopefully going to help Richardson and the offense do just that.

If Mitchell can turn into the weapon the Colts expected him to when they drafted him, Indianapolis could have one of the most fun offenses in the league this season.