Ever since drafting Anthony Richardson in 2023, the Indianapolis Colts have been busy rebuilding their offense around a dual threat quarterback and installing a vertical passing game.
Tuesday’s joint practice against the Baltimore Ravens offered the clearest look yet at this new offense and at the Colts 2025 ceiling as a whole.
Quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones faced an aggressive Baltimore defense that tested their timing and spacing. Both quarterbacks passed with flying colors. But it was the second year receiver, Adonai Mitchell, who stole the show.
From Mid Rookie to Camp Standout
GettyAdonai Mitchell and Anthony Richardson’s chemistry continues to grow
In his rookie season, Adonai Mitchell finished with just 23 catches for 312 yards and no touchdowns, numbers that left both fans and coaches craving more from a 6’4” athlete who once torched college defenses for 1,200 yards as a junior.
But camp has shown a different player. Against Baltimore’s top tier secondary, Mitchell consistently won at the line of scrimmage, ripped off long gains on vertical routes, and even sprinkled in contested catches.
After torching cornerback Nate Wiggins on a deep route, Mitchell turned toward the media and said: “Burned toast!” Moments later, he beat Chidobe Awuzie for a touchdown and followed it up with: “I told you!”
Mitchell’s work ethic is clearly different this summer. Early reports noted he spent extra time studying film, refining his releases, and building chemistry with Richardson. The result: a receiver who looks less like a raw prospect and more like the foundational piece the Colts envisioned when they drafted him.
Redefining the Richardson Offense
Adonai Mitchell ‘making life easier’ for Anthony Richardson
Mitchell’s leap is more than individual growth too, it might be the key to unlocking Richardson’s full potential. On Tuesday, Richardson completed 10 of 13 full team throws, targeting Mitchell on intermediate crossers and deep posts. Daniel Jones’ 14 of 17 performance only reinforced the point: the Colts spacing and rhythm look different (better) when a true vertical threat like Mitchell is on the field.
Mitchell gives Indianapolis something it hasn’t consistently had in recent years: a legitimate jump ball specialist who can win in the air. At 6’4″ with long arms and strong hands, he forces safeties to stay deep and corners to play cautiously.
When defenses have to respect Mitchell vertically, it opens up the shallow crossers for Alec Pierce, the option routes for Josh Downs, and the seams for the Colts tight ends. It allows Shane Steichen to build full field progressions around Richardson’s big arm. And most importantly, it gives the Colts a margin for error because even when the coverage is tight, Mitchell can go get it.
“I feel like time will tell,” Mitchell said. “I feel like we look great, especially being able to go against a new opponen, I just can’t wait.” That “new opponent” isn’t the only thing he’s excited about. It’s the chance to prove he’s more than we saw in his rookie season.
If his camp performance holds up once the pads come on in preseason, the Colts ceiling in 2025 could rise higher than anyone anticipated. And for Mitchell, that would be proof his rookie struggles are already behind him, and that his best football is still ahead.
Adonai Mitchell Emerging as Top Weapon in Colts Revamped Offense