AD Mitchell turning heads as Colts enter key preseason stretch

WESTFIELD, Ind. — With their preseason opener in Baltimore just days away, the Colts dialed back the physicality Saturday but zeroed in on situational execution — and one second-year wideout continues to take advantage.

Wide receiver AD Mitchell is showing steady improvement during training camp, rebounding from a rocky start to stack more consistent performances.

After Thursday night’s practice under the lights, Mitchell followed up with another strong showing Saturday, drawing praise from offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter — especially for his work near the goal line.

“Red zone practices don’t always end up being the highest-end production practices — but they make us better,” Cooter said. “AD’s number has been called a few times, and he’s been there, he’s been open. We’re encouraged by his improvement. His upside is so high.”

The former fourth-round pick out of Texas struggled early in camp with drops and timing, but he’s found a rhythm as the reps increase. The Colts have emphasized his ability to bounce back quickly, something Cooter says is key for young receivers still building confidence.

“He still fits into the ‘young player’ mold,” Cooter said. “But he’s doing better when he’s getting more targets. He’s not epitomizing the one or two opportunities where he makes a mistake — he’s rebounding better.”

For Mitchell, the shift isn’t just physical — it’s mental. The wideout says his second NFL training camp feels worlds different from his rookie experience.

“Now I know how I’m doing it — and why I’m doing what I’m doing,” Mitchell said. “It’s a Year 2 thing.”

He credited a full offseason for giving him more time to study and get comfortable in the system.

“I got the ability to get my first offseason under my belt. I got a lot of time to, first of all, relax and work at the same time,” Mitchell said. “Now I just feel more comfortable — whether it’s in the meeting rooms or walkthroughs. I’m not focused on, ‘What’s the play? What do I have to do?’ I’m focused on how I’m doing it and why I’m doing what I’m doing.”

That comfort is beginning to show up in practice — particularly when it matters most. Mitchell is starting to build chemistry with quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones and is making a case for more in-game targets this preseason.

“Something was in the air,” Mitchell said. “I knew it would eventually come together — it was only a matter of time. I know my hands work. I know my routes work.”

The Colts travel to Baltimore Monday ahead of their preseason debut, and Mitchell’s momentum may have come at just the right time.