Indianapolis Colts’ rookie receiver AD Mitchell has been trending in the right direction in recent weeks.
The talent and athleticism that Mitchell possesses has been clear since he arrived in Indianapolis. However, like many rookies, his game needs refinement as well.
This was evident during the early portion of the season when Mitchell caught just two of his first 13 targets, with him and Anthony Richardson often not on the same page.
But over the last handful of games, Mitchell has been building some momentum. Since Week 5 against Jacksonville, he has caught 10-of-18 passes for 108 yards. This includes three receptions going for at least 15 yards.
“I don’t know about right around the corner,” said receivers coach Reggie Wayne when asked if Mitchell was about to take off. “He just needs more snaps. It’s no different than when I was a rookie. I just needed more snaps, I needed more opportunities to go in there and do it and that’ll come, that’ll come with time.”
While more snaps are needed, again, which is normal for all rookies, the Colts’ are choosing to elongate Mitchell’s learning curve with him averaging just over 12 snaps per game since Week 3, according to PFF, which includes playing a season-low of just five snaps this past Sunday.
At least playing time-wise, Mitchell has fallen to the fifth receiver on the depth chart, often getting out-snapped by Ashton Dulin.
While Dulin is going to provide more stability at the position as a reliable veteran, especially as a blocker in the run game, Mitchell provides far more juice and upside to an offense that could use both of those elements in the passing game.
As Mitchell navigates the ups and downs that come with learning and growing at the NFL level, it’s certainly not always going to be smooth sailing, but he’s too talented to be playing as little as he is, especially on an offense that is struggling.
With Mitchell’s improved play also being showcased on the practice field as of late, hopefully that results in more snaps on Sundays for him as well.
“He’s up for the challenge,” added Wayne. “He’s up for the task. He’s ready whenever we need him to, but it’ll come around. I mean, he’s had, in my opinion, three great weeks of practice, so hopefully it will translate to the game.”
