Keaton Mitchell 2023 NFL Draft Profile
Speed kills! Get the ball in the hands of Keaton Mitchell and good things will happen. The NFL, of course, is a different animal. That’s exactly what we’re here to talk about today. How should you feel about the East Carolina running back? Let’s review the Keaton Mitchell 2023 NFL Draft Profile!
No, this is not the second coming of Chris Johnson but this is a really good player. Mitchell put on a show at the combine notching some impressive testing numbers. How about a 38-inch vertical and 4.37 40 time. Does that work for everyone? I thought he moved well there too and caught the ball well.
It goes without saying that you’re probably not getting a three down running back here. Mitchell is on the smaller side checking in at 5-foot-8, 179. You know what you’re getting here with Mitchell. Find ways to get the ball in his hands. He takes care of the rest.
There are a few red flags with Mitchell. The hands aren’t perfect. Had some easy drops during his career with ECU. He isn’t someone that’s going to fall forward and pick up that extra yardage. There are also times that he takes gambles and takes the wrong bounce outside on runs. Understandably so though given the skillset.
The ECU running back has one trait that has made me fall for him. Mitchell is the best home run hitter in the draft and I’m not sure it’s close. If he finds the hole it’s over. The home run ability is real. In fact, I even got a stat for you. Mitchell led FBS with 54 runs of 10 yards or more in 2022. There is something to be said for his speed. It’s the first step for me. It doesn’t take long for him to get to the top gear. Maybe the 1.48 10-yard time helps explain some of that.
The production is still really good. 25 scrimmage touchdowns over the last two years for a guy his size is really promising. The receiving ability is there even if the hands aren’t the softest. He’s a total nightmare matchup for any linebacker trying to cover him. Mitchell also averaged 7.2 yards per carry to cap off a 1,452 rushing yard season.
Despite the small school status, it’s not like he was a nobody coming through the pipeline. Mitchell was a three-star recruit during the 2020 cycle. Mitchell was also briefly featured in the stock report series. Mitchell showed he can bring it against better competition. ECU had NC State beat this year and Mitchell had a big run in that game that helped turn the tide.
I’m in on Keaton Mitchell heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. If I need a running back in the 4th or 5th round, Mitchell is someone I’m absolutely targeting. His skill set is valuable and I believe he’s talented enough to be part of a successful committee.
