INDIANAPOLIS — Anthony Richardson threw his hands up in the air in exasperation. He was standing too far away to hear exactly what he was saying, but his body language spoke volumes.
The Indianapolis Colts quarterback was frustrated during Thursday’s OTAs, and he let a nearby official hear about it. Richardson had uncorked a deep ball down the sideline to Alec Pierce during a seven-on-seven drill, but Pierce couldn’t bring it in thanks to stifling coverage by free safety Nick Cross. When the ball hit the ground, the defense celebrated while Richardson implored a practice official to throw a flag.
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That play was a microcosm of an up-and-down day for the offense, which produced a few good moments but never got humming through the air. Following another defensive stop, cornerback Dallis Flowers kept screaming, “That’s y’all problem!” toward the offense, leaving no doubt who was winning the day. There were even a few times in seven-on-seven when the defense recorded a “sack” (players can’t actually tackle) because the coverage was so good that Richardson couldn’t get a pass off.
GO DEEPERColts mailbag: How has Anthony Richardson's processing evolved entering Year 2?In 11-on-11 drills, Richardson finished 4-of-5 passing, with checkdowns to running backs Evan Hull and Trey Sermon. Richardson also completed first-down throws to second-year tight end Will Mallory and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who burned the Colts’ secondary on a crosser.
Mitchell continues to flash his potential and made arguably the play of the day during a seven-on-seven period. Richardson launched a deep ball down the sideline to Mitchell, who, after beating cornerback Darrell Baker Jr., contorted his body to make an over-the-shoulder grab that drew a roar of approval from the offense. That highlight-reel play explains why the Colts were willing to take a swing on Mitchell despite just one year of big-time production from him in college.
“He’s been making a ton of plays out here the past couple of days,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said, noting Mitchell’s explosiveness. “Really good to see those one-on-one winners. He’s going to bring an element to our offense that we’re really excited about.”
Mitchell totaled 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns last year at Texas. He ranked No. 1 among wide receivers in this year’s draft class with 81.8 percent of his catches resulting in a first down or touchdown.
“If I ain’t explosive, they’re gonna find somebody who is,” Mitchell said during rookie minicamp. “So, just trying to maximize every opportunity I get. But really just staying prepared so I can maximize every opportunity.”
That ball’s coming out quick. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/7k3dKaJRmj
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 30, 2024
Jaylon Jones leads early CB battle
It’s no secret the Colts have at least one starting cornerback position up for grabs, and throughout OTAs, Jones appears to have the early lead over Flowers, who is back practicing after tearing his right Achilles last year. Jones took most of the starting reps Thursday alongside veteran Kenny Moore II and 2023 second-round pick JuJu Brents. He broke up at least one pass down the sideline from Richardson during team drills.
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Jones started 10 games last season after being drafted in the seventh round. Opposing QBs completed just 56.5 percent of their passes when targeting him, but he still gave up five touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. Jones claimed he gained invaluable experience in 2023 that will help him raise his level of play in 2024.
“(I’m) just coming in, seeing different things so I can play faster,” Jones said.
Jones has high expectations for himself in his second season, and the 22-year-old is well aware of how important this summer could be toward cementing his role on defense.
“Most definitely,” Jones said when asked if he thinks he can become a full-time starter. “Just keep working. Put my head down and work and let the chips fall where they may.”
Drew Ogletree speaks
Ogletree spoke to the media for the first time since being removed from the commissioner’s exempt list and resuming team activities. He was added to the list following a December arrest for two charges of alleged domestic violence. Both charges were dismissed “with prejudice” in March, meaning the decision is permanent and can’t be revisited in court.
“I’ve put everything behind me. I’ve got past it,” Ogletree said. “I’m just trying to focus on this year now.”
Ogletree declined to comment further on the incident but did say his teammates “most definitely” welcomed him back.
The 25-year-old is heading into his third season with the Colts. He missed his entire rookie campaign in 2022 with a torn ACL and finally made his NFL debut last year. Ogletree started nine of the 12 games he appeared in, finishing with nine catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll compete for an increased role in a crowded tight end room that still lacks a true No. 1 option.
Ogletree said he looks forward to playing more with Richardson, whose physical gifts will allow him to keep plays alive longer than most QBs.
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“Having a mobile quarterback like that, he can definitely scramble the pocket and get out of there and extend plays,” Ogletree said. “So for us, being able to practice here in OTAs off scramble drills … just getting that chemistry with him, getting it locked down, I think it’s gonna be great.”
Absences/injuries
Running back Jonathan Taylor and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo missed Thursday’s practice. Steichen said Taylor was out for “some personal stuff” and would be back next week for veteran minicamp; Odeyingbo attended a wedding.
Right tackle Braden Smith (knee surgery), wide receiver Ashton Dulin (ACL), cornerback Chris Lammons (left foot/ankle) and tight end Mo Alie-Cox (undisclosed) were in attendance but did not participate. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was sidelined as well after banging his knee last week in a collision with Jones.
“He’s in a good spot,” Steichen said of Pittman. “We’re just resting him. Could he go out there and practice right now? Yeah, probably. We’re just going to be smart with him, though.”
(Photo: Grace Hollars / USA Today)
James Boyd is a Staff Writer for The Athletic covering the Indianapolis Colts. Before joining The Athletic, James was the Indiana Pacers beat writer for The Indianapolis Star. James is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and grew up in Romeoville, Illinois. Follow James on Twitter @romeovillekid
