NFL training camp is right around the corner. Like every team, the Indianapolis Colts will have several intriguing battles to watch. One of those battles will be for the team’s No. 3 wide receiver spot. Third-year player Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell are set to duke it out for the job this summer.
Both receivers are talented and possess a ton of potential. When it’s all said and done, who will win the position battle?
Indianapolis Colts Training Camp Battle: Alec Pierce vs. Adonai Mitchell
Alec Pierce’s Career
Alec Pierce played his college ball at Cincinnati, playing alongside current Arizona Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder. During his senior year, he caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. He was named second-team All-American Athletic Conference. Pierce recorded 106 receptions, 1,851 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns during his career with the Bearcats.
The Colts selected Pierce in the second round (53rd overall pick) of the 2022 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he caught 41 passes for 593 yards and two touchdowns. He was expected to leap in Year 2. However, his numbers took a dip last season (32 receptions 514 receiving yards, and two TDs). Now, he’ll try to finally have a breakout year and prove to fans that he’s not a bust.
Adonai Mitchell’s Career
Adonai Mitchell spent his first two seasons of college football with the Georgia Bulldogs. He won national championships in both years.
Mitchell then transferred to Texas in 2023. In his lone season with the Longhorns, he caught 55 passes for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was named Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year and was selected to the All-Big 12 Second-team.
Indianapolis selected Mitchell in the second round (52nd overall pick) of this year’s draft. Some Colts fans wanted the team to trade up and draft fellow receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Sure, Harrison could become a star with the Cardinals. But don’t sleep on Mitchell, who might turn out to be one of the biggest steals of the 2024 draft.
Who Will Win the Battle?
Michael Pittman Jr. is currently the Colts’ best receiver. The USC product was impressive last season, catching 109 passes for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns.
Josh Downs is the team’s No. 2 receiver. He’s coming off an excellent rookie year in which he produced 68 receptions, 771 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
Pittman and Downs know their roles. But who will earn the Colts’ No. 3 WR spot: Alec Pierce or Adonai Mitchell?
Pierce has had two less-than-spectacular seasons in Indy. Perhaps the main reason for that is he hasn’t had a quarterback who can get him the ball. Pierce is a deep-threat receiver. Quarterback Anthony Richardson, who missed most of last season due to injury, is now healthy. He has a cannon for an arm, which should help Pierce immensely in 2024.
While Pierce is primed for a great season, look for Mitchell to ultimately win the job. The 6-2, 205-pounder is an athletic freak who has blazing speed and the ability to separate at the top of his routes. He is going to surprise a lot of people this year and just might finish as a Rookie of the Year candidate. The Alec Pierce vs. Adonai Mitchell battle will be fascinating as two former second-round picks go head-to-head this summer.
Main Image: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
