Colts coach Shane Steichen first saw his rookie class at the team’s minicamp over the weekend and used the same word to describe each of his first two picks: Explosive.
Both first-round pass rusher Laiatu Latu and second-round wide receiver Adonai Mitchell impressed Steichen with their explosiveness on the practice field.
“His explosiveness coming off the ball,” Steichen said when asked what stood out about Latu. “Obviously, he had a lot of production — double-digit sacks, like we talked about after the draft. You can see his physical presence out there with the guys. He’s a great addition to our team and I’m excited to have him.”
Asked about his impression of Mitchell, Steichen said, “Explosive. You can see the size. You can see the speed – hands, great hands. Even watching him individually [drills] with Reggie [Wayne] just the way he catches the ball. He is a natural pass catcher. Again, as we talked about after the draft, he can separate at the top [of routes]. He ran some good routes here in seven-on-seven. He had some one-on-one winners, which was good to see.”
After an impressive 9-8 first season as head coach of the Colts, Steichen is looking to take the next step toward the playoffs in year two. He thinks he has two rookies who will help him get there.
