In an exciting development for the Indianapolis Colts, three of their draft picks have been recognized by ESPN analyst Matt Miller as 'Top 100 Picks' of the 2024 NFL Draft. These rookies are expected to become long-term impact starters for the team, solidifying their position as contenders in the league.

The Colts have been focused on building a formidable wide receiver corps, and one of their selected rookies, Mitchell, seems to be the missing piece. With his impressive 4.34 speed and 11 touchdowns for the Longhorns last season, Mitchell brings the much-needed deep threat capability to the team. His size, exceptional ball skills, and speed make him an ideal vertical target, adding a new dimension to the Indianapolis offense alongside Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs.

Another impressive addition to the Colts' roster is pass-rusher Latu, who was deemed the most pro-ready player at his position in this year's draft. Despite a neck injury sustained while at Washington (before transferring to UCLA), the Colts' front office was confident in Latu's abilities, making him the team's first defensive pick. His expert-level hand usage and strategic approach to getting after the quarterback make him an invaluable asset to the defense.

The Colts also made a savvy move by selecting Bortolini, a versatile center with potential starter abilities. With the reliable veteran center Ryan Kelly turning 31 before the upcoming season, having a backup like Bortolini with exceptional agility and explosiveness is a wise draft choice. Bortolini may even see playing time at guard before eventually transitioning to the center position.

The Colts' hope is to have at least three long-term impact starters with these draft picks. However, it is foreseeable that each rookie may make an early impact, as some of them have a greater chance of getting significant playing time right from the start. Mitchell's athleticism, speed, and sure hands have impressed the Colts, particularly his ability to change direction without losing speed, a trait usually seen in experienced players.

The team is determined to upgrade their receiving corps, seeking more production and explosive plays than what the previous starter, Alec Pierce, delivered. While the Colts haven't given up entirely on Pierce, Mitchell's arrival will undoubtedly create healthy competition for the starting spot alongside Pittman Jr.

Despite being a first-round pick, Latu finds himself ranked second on Miller's list. However, he has a tremendous opportunity to make an immediate impact as a rotational pass rusher and a key player in nickel subpackages. With his athleticism, polished pass-rushing skills, and ability to tailor his strategy to exploit offensive tackles' weaknesses, Latu has the potential to become a mainstay in the Colts' defense.

Lastly, Bortolini is seen as the Colts' future center. Given Kelly's increasing susceptibility to injuries, including a history of concussions, it won't be surprising if Bortolini has the chance to make spot starts for Indianapolis in 2024. The young center is known for his intelligence, athleticism, and toughness, but needs to work on strengthening his point of attack and refining his blocking technique.

With these talented rookies joining the Colts in the upcoming season, the team is optimistic about their chances of success. The addition of Mitchell, Latu, and Bortolini brings excitement and depth to the roster, setting the stage for the Colts to make a significant impact in the NFL.