NFL Draft Profile: Keaton Mitchell, Running Back, East Carolina Pirates
Keaton Mitchell
East Carolina Pirates
#25
Pos: RB
Ht: 5082
Wt: 179
Hand: 0928
Arm: 3068
Wing: 7468
40: 4.37
DOB: 1/17/2002
Hometown: McDonough, GA
High School: Eagles Landing Christian
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
Keaton Mitchell is an undersized, open field, perimeter running back with above average long speed who will fit best in an inside and outside zone running scheme - he could contribute as a kick returner and complimentary back immediately at the next level
Evaluation:
Keaton Mitchell, an undersized running back, is an explosive player who has been very productive over the last few years. Mitchell shows above-average athleticism with great long speed and acceleration. At the combine, he should run an under 4.4 40 yard dash. He is not overly shifty, which makes him a capable perimeter back. Once he hits an open hole, even with a small amount of space, he is a home run waiting to happen. Mitchell is an experienced back with a good feel and rhythm in his running style. He displays good awareness, patience, and vision to identify open holes. By running with a low center of gravity, Mitchell possesses good balance and agility to stay on his feet, often gaining yards after contact. Although he does not have an overly hard running style, Mitchell will constantly churn his legs on contact and does not go down easily. When cutting and changing direction, he does not put his foot hard in the ground to make defenders miss but will do his best by utilizing his above-average speed. Not only can Mitchell be used as a runner at the next level, but as a kick returner as well. In the passing game, Mitchell exhibits inadequate hands out of the backfield when catching passes away from his body. As a pass protector, he is below average as he lacks the strength and punch to effectively stall blitzers, as well as mistiming chop blocks. He will try and use his shoulder to hit linebackers and defensive backs but is not strong enough to do so successfully. With improved hands and good testing at the combine, Mitchell can make himself a mid-Day 3 selection.
Grade:
5th Round
Background:
Mitchell finished his sophomore season at East Carolina. This season he finished with 1,452 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns on the ground. He also had 27 catches for 252 yards and a touchdown. He was named an Honorable Mention All-American by PFF and tabbed to the All-American Athletic Conference First Team for the second-straight season. Over the other two years (20-21) he appeared in 21 games, making 14 starts. He rushed for 1,575 yards on 262 carries (6.0 ypc) and scored 13 career touchdowns, with 11 coming on the ground. His father, Anthony starred at Westlake High School before playing collegiately at Tuskegee and earning a roster spot with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2000 (he was a reserve during the Ravens' run to the Super Bowl championship).
