Colts' Chris Ballard rips critical reports around draft pick in expletive rant
Mitchell was selected in the second round of the draft
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Indianapolis Colts selected wide receiver Adonai Mitchell out of Texas in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday night, giving quarterback Anthony Richardson another weapon in the arsenal.
In the wake of the pick, Colts general manager Chris Ballard came out hot when talking to reporters and slammed unnamed sources who had been critical of Mitchell in the days leading up to the vent. The slights may have caused Mitchell to move to the second round.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) celebrates after making a catch for a first down during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Kansas State Wildcats on November 4, 2023, at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
"I read some of the bulls—t that was said on TV," Ballard said, via FOX 59. I mean, just the typical f— … our typical league. Unnamed sources, bad interview, that’s such bulls—t. I mean it f—ing is. It’s bulls—t.
"Like, put your name on it. I’m tired (of it). We tear these young men down. These are 21-, 22-year old men, and if people can tell me they’re perfect in their lives, it’s crap. It’s crap. This is a good kid. And for those reports to come out, I said it last year, it’s bulls—t.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}General Manager Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 28, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images)
Mitchell told reporters himself he was "p---ed." He said he wasn’t celebrating getting into the league but rather ready to get to work, according to ESPN.
The wide receiver transferred from Georgia to Texas after the 2022 season.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Adonai Mitchell, #WO19 of Texas, during the NFL Combine at the Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
With the Longhorns, he had 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns. He didn’t get as much hype as the top receivers in the draft, but he is still expected to be just as productive, if not more, once his pro career begins.
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