Colts GM defends Mitchell from red flag rumors: 'Bullshit'

Warning: Video contains coarse language

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard squashed the rumored character concerns surrounding Adonai Mitchell after selecting the wide receiver in Friday's Round 2 of the NFL draft.

"I read some of the bullshit that was said on TV ... bad interview, that's such bullshit. It f-----g is. It's bullshit," Ballard told reporters.

Projected by many to go in the first round, Mitchell slid to the second round, where the Colts grabbed him with the 52nd overall pick. Mitchell was the 11th wideout drafted and the fourth receiver to go in the second round.

"We tear these young men down," Ballard added. "These are 21-, 22-year-old men. If people out there can tell me they're perfect in their lives, it's crap. It's crap. This is a good kid. For those reports to come out ... it's bullshit."

Ballard said Mitchell is coming to the Colts with "a little bit of a chip on his shoulder, which is a good thing," according to The Herald Bulletin's George Bremer.

The Texas product was in no mood to celebrate after waiting until Day 2 to hear his name called, telling reporters he was "kind of pissed."

Known for his speed, Mitchell will join a receiving corps led by Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. The 21-year-old posted 845 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season after transferring to Texas from Georgia.

"We're not expecting him to be Superman right away," Ballard said. "He expects to be Superman."

The Colts went 9-8 in 2023, narrowly missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year.