NFL Draft 2024: Colts GM Chris Ballard blasts ‘bulls***’ accusations against Adonai Mitchell in X-rated rant as he defends selecting former Texas star

Colts general manager Chris Ballard delivered an X-rated response to ‘bulls***’ accusations against Adonai Mitchell after the receiver was drafted by Indianapolis.

The former Texas WR was selected with the 52nd overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft, amid reports he performed poorly during interviews and proved difficult to assess.

Mitchell admitted afterwards that he was ‘p****d’, having been the 11th wide receiver taken overall. And Ballard defended the 21-year-old in a passionate tirade about how the NFL treats its prospects.   

‘I read some of the bulls*** that was said,’ he began. ‘Excuse my language. Our typical league – unnamed sources, bad interviews. 

‘That’s such bulls***. I mean, it f****** is. It’s bulls***. Put your name on it. I’m tired of it. We tear these young men down.

‘These are 21-, 22-year-old young men. And can people out there tell me they’re perfect in their lives? It’s crazy. It’s c**p. This is a good kid. And for those reports to come out, it’s bulls***.’

Mitchell vowed to try and make ‘pay’ those teams who overlooked him during this year’s draft in Detroit.

‘(The) only thing I’m feeling is I’m just kind of p****d. I don’t really know what other way to call it,’ the former Texas star said.

When pressed on whether he was upset that 10 receivers had been selected before him, the 21-year-old added: ‘I understand it is just the way things go.’ 

‘I’m just ready to work. At the end of the day, people have been chosen before me. That’s just the reality of it, and my job now is to make them pay and bring the best version of me every day to the Indianapolis Colts.’

The Colts chose to trade down from pick No 45 to No 52, forcing Mitchell to wait even longer.

Ballard backed the prospect to bounce back from the disappointment. ‘He’s like any young player… they get built up so big now, especially in college football,’ he said.

‘Sometimes a little adversity, a little humbleness is a good thing. I think he’ll respond.’

Mitchell had 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns in his sole season at Texas – only four players in Longhorns history have recorded more touchdowns in a single season. And when asked to describe his game, Mitchell said: ‘The best’