NFL Draft Notebook: Colts' Adonai Mitchell shines in training camp; 2025 draft targets for Broncos

Now that NFL training camps are open for all teams, it’s time to check in on how rookies are performing. In this Monday edition of NFL Draft Notebook, which focuses on the NFL (compared to our Friday edition that highlights 2025 NFL Draft prospects), we spotlight Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who has already turned heads in camp. We also examine three wide receivers who would make sense for the Denver Broncos in the 2025 NFL Draft, highlight a couple of Vikings' undrafted free agents proving to be great values, and more.

Adonai Mitchell opening eyes at Colts training camp

One of the standout moments in the first week of Colts training camp came when wide receiver Adonai Mitchell made a spectacular diving catch, even as his helmet popped off. This display of skill shouldn't come as a surprise to those familiar with his college highlights, particularly from his season with the Texas Longhorns.

Mitchell started his college career at Georgia before transferring to Texas for the 2023 season. This move proved to be one of the best decisions of his football career. Despite initially being projected as an undrafted free agent by NFL Mock Draft Database, Mitchell demonstrated his potential to be a high draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and going into the season was named the wide receiver I would stand on the table for. His impressive performance at Texas included setting personal bests in catches, yards, yards per catch, and touchdowns, culminating in him being named the 2023 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.

One of the key factors that attracted Colts scouts to Mitchell was his big-play ability. Colts Southwest area scout Anthony Coughlan highlighted their admiration for Mitchell's knack for making significant plays, particularly noting his performance against Kansas State last fall. Additionally, Coughlan and the Colts were impressed with Mitchell's strong work ethic and alpha mentality.

While Mitchell possesses the raw talent to become a high-quality starting receiver in the NFL, there are areas he needs to refine to secure the number three receiver spot this season. His technique requires further development, as Colts wide receiver coach Reggie Wayne mentioned that they are starting from scratch with him. Another concern I had with Mitchell going into the 2024 NFL Draft is that he was not a very physical wide receiver, and I could see NFL cornerbacks giving him trouble in press coverage.

Overall, Mitchell is expected to begin the season as the Colts' number four wide receiver, behind Alec Pierce. However, by midseason, he could potentially move up to the number three spot as he becomes more acclimated to Indianapolis's offense and sharpens his skills. For this season, look for Mitchell to finish with around 25 receptions and four touchdowns.

Three wide receivers who make sense for the Denver Broncos in the 2025 NFL Draft

One of the biggest issues the Denver Broncos will face this season is a mediocre passing game. The team has an unproven quarterback situation, with options including first-round pick Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, or Zach Wilson. Additionally, their wide receiver group ranks as the 3rd worst in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. The group is led by Courtland Sutton, who is more of a number two receiver. This lack of talent will likely lead Denver to take a wide receiver in the first or second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Here are three prospects who would make sense for the Broncos:

Luther Burden III, Missouri

Going into the season, Luther Burden is the top wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft and could hear his name called in the top ten. Burden is an elite playmaker with the ability to consistently gain yards after the catch. Last season, he finished third in the NCAA with 724 yards after the catch. He also has some of the best hands in the class, consistently coming away with tough catches in traffic and rarely dropping passes, with a drop rate of only 4.6% last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

If the Broncos decide they want a bigger target, which they might considering Sean Payton’s preference for larger receivers like Michael Thomas when he was in New Orleans, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan would fit the bill. McMillan uses his 6-foot-5, 210-pound size and impressive athletic ability to consistently win jump balls. Last season, he made 17 contested catches, finishing second in the FBS behind only Rome Odunze, who the Chicago Bears took with the ninth overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. In addition to making tough catches, he has some of the most reliable hands in the class, with the lowest drop rate among Power Five receivers with at least 100 targets in 2023 (2.1%), according to Pro Football Focus.

Evan Stewart, Oregon

If the Broncos decide to wait until the second round to address this position, Oregon’s Evan Stewart would make sense. Stewart is an agile athlete who does a good job of adjusting to the ball, and his speed makes him a deep threat. One concern with him is that he tends to catch the ball with his body, which contributed to 13 drops over the past two seasons.

NFL Draft News and Notes

Vikings undrafted free agent impressing: After the 2024 NFL Draft, NFL Draft Notebook praised the Minnesota Vikings for their success in signing undrafted free agents, notably securing two of the top eight UDFAs on my board. The standout among them is Gabriel Murphy, who has already impressed coaches with his football IQ and playmaking ability during camp. Murphy's skills are perfectly suited for the Vikings' 3-4 defense, aligning with our pre-draft analysis that highlighted him as an ideal fit for this scheme.

"Gabe Murphy's showing up time and time again early on here as a guy that's versatile in the rush game."

-  Kevin O'Connell on Gabe Murphy

Dwight McGlothern impressing as well: Another undrafted free agent making waves in Vikings training camp is former Arkansas cornerback Dwight McGlothern, who was rated as my eighth-best UDFA and named to my All-Underrated defense. Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores praised McGlothern, saying, "Nudie's done a real nice job. We liked a lot of things about him, as well, coming out. Ball skills would be the first thing that comes to mind. He's a guy who's just got a knack and a feel for being around the ball when it's in the air. Obviously, he's got height and length and speed, but the instincts are the thing that jumped out to me and us as a staff. There's a lot to like about Nudie." This high praise suggests McGlothern has a strong chance of making the team, especially given Minnesota's lack of depth at cornerback.

Hard Knocks: New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones can't be feeling very secure while watching Hard Knocks these past few weeks. The Giants clearly sought his replacement this offseason and seriously considered trading up for Drake Maye. If Jones has another disappointing or injury-riddled season, expect the Giants to target a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft or sign a veteran like Dak Prescott in free agency. Potential draft options for the Giants include Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Georgia’s Carson Beck.

Say what: One of the most misguided takes in the NFL last week came from Colin Cowherd, who claimed, “The sixth-round quarterback Joe Milton is probably going to win the job because he's the better athlete, he's the bigger, stronger, faster, more dynamic athlete.”

While it's likely he made this statement to stir up interest rather than out of sheer ignorance, there's no way this is going to happen. Milton, although physically impressive, is far from a polished quarterback and was drafted based on his potential. Moreover, the team invested the third overall pick in Drake Maye and also has a seasoned veteran in Jacoby Brissett, who has 48 career starts. Instead, expect the Patriots to keep Milton as their third quarterback, hoping to develop his skills as a third stringer.