Colts minicamp takeaways: Daniel Jones a quick study; Justin Walley, AD Mitchell flash potential

New York Times

20 hours ago

INDIANAPOLIS — Alec Pierce has developed a reputation as the Indianapolis Colts' big-play receiver. His 22.3 yards per catch last year ranked No. 1 in the NFL, and a handful of his long receptions required him to win a 50-50 ball with a defender draped all over him. But throughout the Colts' three-day veteran minicamp, that was rarely the case. New Colts QB Daniel Jones put a cap on Indy's final spring practice Thursday with another steady performance, highlighted by a deep crosser to Pierce during 11-on-11 work. All Pierce had to do was catch the ball in stride.
Advertisement
On time. On target.
Those have been the prevailing themes of Jones' game this spring as he competes for the starting quarterback job in Indianapolis, and he's already gained ground. Anthony Richardson, whom Jones will challenge for the QB1 role, recently 'aggravated' the AC joint in his surgically repaired throwing shoulder, according to Colts coach Shane Steichen. The 2023 No. 4 pick will be out indefinitely. In his absence, Jones received all of the starting reps during minicamp and appears to have acclimated well to his new surroundings because the football has hardly touched the crowd.
'Very intelligent,' Steichen said of Jones. 'He works at it, grinds at it. So, I'm not surprised by how he's picked up the offense. Those meetings we have in the quarterback room … they've been really good. I'm very pleased with (Jones).'
Jones didn't make many eye-popping throws this spring, but he kept the chains moving. One of his most impressive sequences came when he led the Colts down the field in a two-minute drill Wednesday that was capped by a short touchdown pass across the middle to Michael Pittman Jr. Jones threw the ball before Pittman even made it out of his break and squeezed the pass into a tight window as a few Colts defensive backs tried to close in but were too late.
Jones said he was encouraged by Indy's execution in those late-game scenarios. He also cracked a smile when discussing the receiver on the other end of his precise TD pass.
'Pitt's gonna remind you where he is if you don't see him,' Jones said, laughing. 'But no, he's had a great spring, too. He's been really good.'
As Richardson roamed the sidelines Thursday, it felt eerily similar to last year. In June 2024, he was held out of the final day of minicamp due to 'a little soreness' in his throwing shoulder. Richardson assured there was 'nothing to worry about,' but now that he's experiencing pain again in his surgically repaired AC joint, there is cause for concern.
Advertisement
Richardson recently flew to Los Angeles to have his AC joint reevaluated by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the same doctor who performed his shoulder procedure in October 2023. Steichen said Richardson is 'not going to need a procedure right now,' as the Colts hope their young QB will be available when training camp begins July 22, though there is no timeline for his return.
If Richardson isn't available, the Colts may consider adding another veteran QB, especially with rookie Riley Leonard serving as the team's backup. The sixth-round pick has shown some promise with his dual-threat qualities and ability to extend plays, but overall, Leonard endured an up-and-down spring, including several off-target throws.
Indianapolis did bring in 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder as a tryout participant in minicamp 'just to have an extra arm,' per Steichen. Asked if Ridder could stick around on the team's 90-man roster, Steichen simply said, 'We'll see.'
Richardson was present for all three days of minicamp, encouraging his teammates and talking to his coaches, but he never threw a football with his right arm. The third-year QB typically held a towel throughout practice and homed in on his footwork when copying the other quarterbacks' participation in live drills.
Steichen said the team would remain in regular contact with Richardson to track the progress of his shoulder before the team reconvenes for training camp next month.
'He's got his trainers in Florida. We got our trainers here,' Steichen said. 'We'll have a detailed plan going into this offseason. We'll be in contact via phone to make sure we're constantly communicating.'
Steichen and new Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo spoke highly of rookie cornerback Justin Walley. The third-round pick has played inside and outside in Anarumo's scheme, and he's already flashed the instincts and ball skills that made him such an attractive prospect to the franchise.
Advertisement
'He's got a long way to go, but the first mark of a corner is how you cover,' Anarumo said. 'I don't care if you have pads on or not. Either you can or you can't, and he's done a good job so far. He's just gotta get the details of (the defense), but we like the trajectory he's on.'
Rookie first-round tight end Tyler Warren and second-year wide receiver AD Mitchell impressed, as well. The latter made a handful of highlight-worthy catches, showing off his rare body control, but the next step for Mitchell is to have his practice success lead to game-day dividends.
A dot. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/9HxUffTiIW
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 12, 2025
The Colts selected Mitchell in the second round last year. He totaled just 23 catches for 312 yards and zero TDs.
'My rookie year, what's evident is getting open has never been my problem. Never really had an issue with that,' Mitchell said. 'So, now, it's not a question of, 'Do I belong?' It's like, 'OK, how do I stay here?' … I feel like just the day-to-day grind will take care of all of the rest of the stuff, especially on the field.'
The following players did not participate on the final day of minicamp: LB Jaylon Carlies (shoulder rehab), DE Samson Ebukam (Achilles rehab), LB Zaire Franklin (left ankle rehab), CB Jaylon Jones (soft tissue injury), CB David Long Jr. (undisclosed), TE Maximilian Mang (undisclosed), S Daniel Scott (undisclosed), RT Braden Smith ('got dinged,' per Steichen), WR Blayne Taylor (undisclosed).
Minicamp complete. ✔️ pic.twitter.com/M28gOHmsIp
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 12, 2025
(Photo of Riley Leonard and Daniel Jones: Grace Hollars / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)