They aren’t rookies anymore. It’s time to stop playing like one.
Every team would love nothing more than to draft the offensive or defensive rookie of the year. Although it doesn’t always translate to the best overall career, it provides instant validation that the team most likely got it right. The Indianapolis Colts didn’t have that honor this year, but they have two high draft picks from last year’s draft who they hope take a giant step forward. We saw potential and flashes from one, while the other appears to have a long way to go.
Laiatu Latu was a somewhat surprising pick in the first round for the Colts. That doesn’t mean he was the wrong choice, however. The main concern was his injury history and the recommendation he medically retire. Those concerns should be eased as he appeared in all seventeen games. Add four sacks and thirty-two combined tackles and the season could have been potentially better or a heck of a lot worse. Defensive ends can take a minute to develop, so the panic meter for Latu is low. The Colts would love to see him be that long coveted end they have been seeking, and he has the traits to take a leap in year two.
Adonai Mitchell was a different story. With so much hype coming out of camp, Mitchell seemingly disappeared when the season kicked off. Receivers can also take a bit to settle in and take off, but the results in 2024 were disappointing. Zero touchdowns and 300 receiving yards fell well short of expectations. More concerning was his unwillingness to take contact and make contested catches. That hesitancy has to dissipate, and he needs to become a key member of this receiving group. The team needs another reliable target and option to release pressure from everyone else and create more favorable opportunities. If we see more of the same this year, expect the Colts to start looking again to upgrade this unit.
It’s still early for both Latu and Mitchell. No need to panic, but both men need to step up this year to prove they are part of this franchise going forward. Latu flashed and those flashes could turn into serious production. If he can’t produce consistent pressure, that pressure moves to the newly constructed secondary and does no one any favors. To open up the long ball and underneath routes, Mitchell has to become a reliable target. Teams have to respect his ability and know he won’t shy away from contact. These two could do wonders for the team, but they have to show it in 2025.
