2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: James Mitchell
- Position: Tight End
- School: Virginia Tech
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 255lbs
Film Watched: North Carolina 2021, Middle Tennessee 2021
Pro's:
- Versatile tight end that lined up anywhere and everywhere during his time at Blacksburg
- Proficient pass catcher with soft hands and the ability to haul balls in outside of his frame
- Fluid athlete with plenty of lateral agility to create separation out of breaks
- Strong hands through contact and rarely loses an aerial duel
- Excellent body positioning at the point of catch, shielding the catch window from his opponent
- Shows some burst to attack open field and be dangerous after the catch
- Competitor – embraces blocking duties and fights for control on every rep
Con's:
- Significant knee injury ended his final season at Virginia Tech after just two games
- Small portfolio of work, with just 838 yards and 7 TD’s as a receiver in 20 games at college
- Lightweight as a blocker, and will merely delay opponents route to the backfield
- Poor blocking technique betrays his effort; hand placement and footwork need coaching up
- Lack of a developed route tree at VT
The Verdict:
“James Mitchell is a really interesting draft prospect. There wasn’t a position he didn’t line up in at Virginia Tech, demonstrating the potential for a varied skillset at the next level. And as a pass catcher, there isn’t much to dislike; a former basketball star, he has natural hands and his body control at the catch point is exemplary. There feels like some serious untapped potential in Mitchell, but buyers beware; there isn’t a whole lot of evidence to work with, and his rehabilitation from the knee injury suffered last year will be key in determining his draft stock. Any team that takes a swing at Mitchell will have to create a dedicated plan for him to get stronger and more nuanced as a blocker before he can think about being a three-down contributor. But as a backup with the potential for more, it’s hard not to like the upside.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: TOMMY TREMBLE
PREDICTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Rated 5 out of 5