In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts are off to a very good start. Indianapolis selected wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in the middle of the second round, having selected defensive end Laiatu Latu as the first player off the board in the first round.
Although Mitchell had gained some early-round attention in recent weeks, “character concerns” sent him down the selection board. GM Chris Ballard of the Colts halted his decline with choice No. 52. Ballard used his news conference following Day 2 of the draft to attack “anonymous sources” for their treatment of Mitchell and other prospects.
Chris Ballard talks character flaws of Adonai Mitchell
Chris Ballard is going to bat for Ad Mitchell and he's pissed about all of the reports of Mitchell's off the field concerns.
The #Colts GM is on one and I'm here for it. pic.twitter.com/yBu8wGWO83
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) April 27, 2024
A front desk executive rarely exhibits such candor and openness, especially while employing such a large number of profanity in public. But Ballard is getting a lot of praise for saying what a lot of people think.
The candidates endure agonizing scrutiny during the draft process, as every aspect of their character and life experiences are scrutinized. “Sources” frequently go too far in their limits. Ballard is adamant that Mitchell was wrongly assessed by the majority of people. It enabled the Colts to take him at a reduced pick, at the absolute least.