Those two receivers have the most on the line this year.
Two receivers on the Indianapolis Colts have their roles firmly cemented in the team’s offense and future outlook. Michael Pittman Jr. is the number one on the team and the leader of the group. He is a reliable player and a go to guy when the team needs a big catch. Josh Downs has quickly emerged as an explosive player who knows how to move the sticks. Those two positions are set, but there will be a battle during training camp to see who will emerge as the number three man between Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell. Each player has a lot to prove in 2025.
Pierce is entering his fourth year with the team and has left plenty to be desired. He can stretch the field and make big plays. The issue is that seems to be the extent. He is good for one or two bombs a game. That is great, but he needs to bring more to the table. Pierce hauled in only 37 passes in 2024. Yes, it was a rocky season at quarterback, but that is far too low for someone who was slated as a number two option when he was drafted. He has plenty of time to show what he can do but is looking more and more like a one trick pony.
Mitchell was supposed to be a diamond in the rough; a player who was passed over and had a chip on his shoulder. That was said repeatedly and when preliminary reports out of camp last year indicating Mitchell was looking great, it seemed like that narrative was starting to fit. Fast forward to the end of the season and the body of work was uninspiring. 23 catches, drops, and a fear of taking contact left fans wondering how we got here. The positive for Mitchell is youth. He has more time on his side to gain experience and improve.
The clock is ticking for both men as the NFL waits for no one. Alec Pierce has had opportunities, but those are drying up. He needs to add to his repertoire and show he can do more than streak down the field. Adonai Mitchell needs to show that chip on his shoulder is enough to propel him forward. He needs to make contested catches and put in the work necessary to make the leap from year one to year two. Each man has a golden opportunity in front of them with 2025 approaching. It is yet to be determined if either will rise to the occasion.