STRENGTHS
Made huge jump in explosive plays and yards per catch from 2014 to 2015. Has the ability to make some plays down the field with a quarterback who will take some shots. Adequate play speed and can vary tempo of his routes. Very good hip sink to stop quickly and open up to the quarterback. Route running shows promise. Smooth with change of direction and works back to the ball. Able to make sharp cuts out of breaks and does a nice job of selling double moves. Consistently tracks and high-points downfield throws and is able to adjust to throws high, low and outside. Generally reliable hands and showed toughness in making catches where he know he was going to take a big shot.
WEAKNESSES
Doesnt have plus size or speed to consistently threaten outside cornerbacks. Speedy cornerbacks sat on his routes and showed little respect for his long speed. Can be knocked off schedule by physical cornerbacks. Must prove he can adjust routes without the noticeable slowing that the tape shows. Has room for improvement with leveraging of routes to create more separation for out-breaking routes. Will duck head and give away timing of when hes going to sink his routes to man cornerbacks. Would like to see better separation ability underneath. Knee injuries slowed his career so his medicals could be a concern. Not as effective as a blocker in space as some teams will want.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 3 or 4
NFL COMPARISON
Nelson Agholor
BOTTOM LINE
Mitchell was hampered by injuries in the past and inconsistent quarterback play this year, but there is no doubting his ball skills and smoothness as a route runner. His speed is just average and he doesn't get as much separation as teams like underneath, but he's tough, can make contested catches and has the type of personal and football character that will have scouts pulling for him in their draft rooms. Mitchell will be a 24-year-old rookie.
Made huge jump in explosive plays and yards per catch from 2014 to 2015. Has the ability to make some plays down the field with a quarterback who will take some shots. Adequate play speed and can vary tempo of his routes. Very good hip sink to stop quickly and open up to the quarterback. Route running shows promise. Smooth with change of direction and works back to the ball. Able to make sharp cuts out of breaks and does a nice job of selling double moves. Consistently tracks and high-points downfield throws and is able to adjust to throws high, low and outside. Generally reliable hands and showed toughness in making catches where he know he was going to take a big shot.
WEAKNESSES
Doesnt have plus size or speed to consistently threaten outside cornerbacks. Speedy cornerbacks sat on his routes and showed little respect for his long speed. Can be knocked off schedule by physical cornerbacks. Must prove he can adjust routes without the noticeable slowing that the tape shows. Has room for improvement with leveraging of routes to create more separation for out-breaking routes. Will duck head and give away timing of when hes going to sink his routes to man cornerbacks. Would like to see better separation ability underneath. Knee injuries slowed his career so his medicals could be a concern. Not as effective as a blocker in space as some teams will want.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 3 or 4
NFL COMPARISON
Nelson Agholor
BOTTOM LINE
Mitchell was hampered by injuries in the past and inconsistent quarterback play this year, but there is no doubting his ball skills and smoothness as a route runner. His speed is just average and he doesn't get as much separation as teams like underneath, but he's tough, can make contested catches and has the type of personal and football character that will have scouts pulling for him in their draft rooms. Mitchell will be a 24-year-old rookie.
