Here's how NFL draft experts are grading Colts' second, third-round picks
The Indianapolis Colts picked two players Friday night in the 2024 NFL Draft. They addressed the pass rush in Round 1 with Laiatu Latu, then got a speedy receiver in Round 2 with Adonai Mitchell. In Round 3, they added offensive lineman Matt Goncalves. Here's how NFL draft experts are grading the Colts' picks.
Adonai Mitchell NFL draft expert grades
CBS Sports: A
Love this pick for Colts. Exactly the type they like. Size/speed/athleticism specimen. So fluid running routes. Just can have long stretches where he goes invisible. Very minimal YAC. An outside wideout who can win at second and third levels for Anthony Richardson.
Yahoo: A+
Mitchell was viewed as a potential first-round prospect and he fell all the way to the back half of the second round. The Colts need to continue to add weapons around Anthony Richardson as he works his way back from injury, and now they have Mitchell to play with Michael Pittman and Josh Downs.
Strengths: Immediate vertical presence, expansive target radius, flexible route-runner for bigger target, excellent ball-tracking.
Weaknesses: Runs hot and cold depending on game/situation, poor blocker, inconsistent attacking the ball, lacked top-end production.
Mitchell was viewed as a first-round possibility for multiple teams. His athletic profiles fits what Indianapolis likes, and Richardson now gets a new weapon to enjoy alongside Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Alec Pierce.
USA TODAY: A
The Colts just handed Anthony Richardson a major weapon. The twitchy, explosive Mitchell contrasts Michael Pittman Jr. nicely, offering a player who can break free of coverage with his crisp cuts and also threaten defenses downfield with his serious speed. Chris Ballard is taking some significant swings with his passing attack, and it could pay off in a big way.
Adonai Mitchell may seem like great value, but he has some issues. He has character concerns, and teams weren’t happy with how he managed his type-1 diabetes. However, Mitchell has immense upside, and I like the Colts finding a new weapon for Anthony Richardson.
Matt Goncalves NFL draft expert grades
Yahoo: C
Offensive line depth is never a bad thing. Goncalves might be able to play a few positions up front for the Colts, but solid swing tackle is a nice outcome for him.
Bleacher Report: C-
Strengths: Physical run blocker, takes good angles, experienced starter.
Weaknesses: Middling athlete, marginal lateral agility, oversets.
Goncalves could be a long-term replacement for right tackle Braden Smith, who has dealt with injuries and hasn't played a full season since 2019. However, the Pitt product doesn't fit Indianapolis' preferred athletic profile, which makes this selection surprising.
I don’t think the Colts really needed to trade up for Matt Goncalves, but I don’t hate the decision. Goncalves has positional versatility up front, as he can play guard and tackle. He could compete for a starting job sooner rather than later.
Sporting News: C-
The Colts make the latest reach for an offensive tackle based on size and strength, but there’s a long way for Goncalves to go to show trusted footwork and athleticism.
USA TODAY: C+
He provides some versatility, but he might not ever amount to much more than a swing option. For a third-rounder, that's hardly an ideal return.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How experts graded Colts' Day 2 picks in 2024 NFL draft
