INDIANAPOLIS — The second and final day of rookie minicamp had ended Saturday afternoon, but two players were working overtime.
Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and quarterback Kedon Slovis still were on the field, honing their pass-and-catch skills.
Mitchell’s future with the Indianapolis Colts is secure. They selected the explosive Texas wideout in the second round of April's draft.
Slovis’ future is more uncertain. After a five-year collegiate sojourn that included experiences at USC, Pittsburgh and BYU, he was one of seven undrafted free agents brought in to see if they fit. Somehow. Some way.
“If a guy needs someone to throw to them, I’ll jump on the opportunity,’’ Slovis said. “(Mitchell has) done a great job. There’s a reason he was a second-round pick.’’
And there’s a reason — several of them, in fact — Slovis finds himself in a position where he must prove he belongs at the highest level. He went undrafted after a lackluster 2023 at BYU, which followed a lackluster 2022 at Pittsburgh, which followed three years at USC, the first two of which were productive and contributed to the Trojans going 8-5 and 5-1 in the COVID-19 season.
“It’s a lot that has happened,’’ Slovis said. “Got to play at three different schools over five years. I try to see optimistically (that) I got three completely different experiences and got to play five years of college football.
“Seen some really good, seen some adversity. I’ve seen it all, but grateful for it, and I’ve put that behind me. I’m just trying to make the most of this opportunity.’’
The top end of the Colts’ quarterback depth chart is fixed with Anthony Richardson and veteran backup Joe Flacco.
While they’ll probably only carry two quarterbacks on the active roster, a third will take up a practice squad spot. That either will be Sam Ehlinger, who’s appeared in eight games with three starts in three seasons, or a younger prospect to develop.
The Colts made no promises to Slovis.
“You go out and compete,’’ he said. “You have to earn it. I’m just thrilled for the opportunity.’’
As Slovis mentioned, he’s already experienced the “ups and downs, good and bad.’’
In 2019, he passed for 3,502 yards with 30 touchdowns and was named Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. Slovis benefitted from throwing to current teammate Michael Pittman Jr. and Detroit Lions standout Amon-Ra St. Brown. Pittman finished with 101 receptions, 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns while St. Brown added 77 catches, 1,041 yards and six TDs.
“I tell everyone playing quarterback, so much is about the guys around you,’’ Slovis said with a laugh.
Slovis and Pittman had yet to reunite in Indy as of Saturday, but that should occur Monday when the Colts resume their offseason workout program.
As for the adversity that seemed to impede Slovis’ collegiate journey, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted 2020 and his ’21 season went off the rails after head coach Clay Helton was fired after two games. Also, twice he dealt with an elbow injury.
Slovis had hoped to follow offensive coordinator Graham Harrell to West Virginia, but had to declare for Pittsburgh before Harrell relocated. He passed for 2,397 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions at Pitt, then again transferred, this time to BYU.
In 2023, Slovis passed for 1,716 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
He wasn’t surprised when he went undrafted.
“I’m not naïve,’’ he said. “But I keep that in the bank for motivation all the time.’’
True motivation
Everyone understands the reason Mitchell selected 10 for his jersey number. It’s a reminder 10 receivers were selected ahead of him.
But there’s so much more that motivates him.
There’s Icylinn, his daughter who turns 3 June 21.
“I feel like my life has just had a whole different purpose, a whole different meaning since she’s been born,’’ Mitchell said. “People think I’m playing, dog.’’
He reached inside the neck of his jersey and pulled out a locket on a chain. Inside the locket was a picture of Icylinn.
“I wear this neckless everywhere I go,’’ he said. “I don’t take it off to shower. I don’t take it off to sleep, nothing like that.
Mitchell then held the open locket in his hands.
“That’s my girl,’’ he said. “That’s why I wake up, to do it for her every day. That’s been my motivation since her day 1.’’
Welcome to Indy
It was something of an Aha! moment for a pair of rookie offensive linemen.
Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves were savoring their first day at work at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
Suddenly, welcome to the NFL, and the Colts.
“My first time being in the facility, walk in and one of the first guys I bumped into is Quenton Nelson,’’ Bortolini said with a laugh. “I’m like, ‘Well, he’s pretty good at what he does.’
“It was kind of a surreal moment. You watch him on TV growing up to now you’re going to be playing with him in the same room.’’
Goncalves reacted accordingly.
“Great guy,’’ he said. “Shook his hand. It was good to meet him.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter/X at @mchappell51.