NFL Draft Profile: Mitchell Tinsley, Wide Receiver, Penn State Nittany Lions
Mitchell Tinsley
Penn State Nittany Lions
#5
Pos: WR
Ht: 5116
Wt: 199
Hand: 1000
Arm: 3238
Wing: 7558
40: 4.60
DOB: 9/15/1999
Hometown: Lee's Summit, MO
High School: Lee's Summit
Eligibility: 2023
One Liner:
Mitchell Tinsley hard working mentality and pro-ready frame make him an intriguing option for any team looking for wide receiver depth
Evaluation:
The trait that stands out most with Mitchell Tinsley is his intensity on the field. Everything that he does on the gridiron is 100% effort, making his presence felt in every play. Having this trait has allowed him to make substantial improvements every year he has been in college. Tinsley has a pretty stocky build for a receiver at his size, allowing him to play his physical style consistently. Tinsley showed the ability of being a solid possession receiver at Penn State with good route running and catching skills. He does a really good job of keeping defensive backs on their heels at the top of his routes, using his feet, hips, and head to mislead his direction. Tinsley’s hands are great on multiple levels as it is probably his best skill. He is reliable as a possession catcher, he normally catches away from his body, and he has an innate ability to go up and make plays even when the ball is not on target. Tinsley is also good as a run after catch receiver, where his elusiveness and game speed are put on display. Most likely a day 3 pick, Tinsley profiles as a high-floor player that can enter the depth chart from day 1. The greatest limitation to Mitchell Tinsley's success on the football field is his inability to differentiate himself as an athlete. He doesn’t have great speed to really break away from defenders at the next level. Not being a dangerous threat as a run after catch receiver will limit his upside as a wide receiver. Though his weaknesses may cap his ceiling, Tinsley is a solid all-around wide receiver with a lot of skills that translate to success at the next level.
Grade:
5th-6th round
Quotes:
“Tinsley’s been awesome. He comes from an offense at Western Kentucky that throws the ball 60 times per game. So coming to Penn State, the transition from a wide-open air raid to our offense is significant and different. ... And not one time was there any indication of him being salty about not getting the ball. He’s a team guy. He loves to compete. He caught onto our offense very well. Smart guy. Dependable. He’s been top-notch. Love that kid.” - Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich on Mitchell Tinsley
Background:
Mitchell Tinsley is a transfer from Western Kentucky. This season, Tinsley had 51 receptions for 577 yards and 5 touchdowns. He appeared in 12 games, making 8 starts. Last season, Tinsley started all 14 games. He made 87 receptions for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns. He averaged 100.1 yards receiving per game and 16.1 yards per reception. In 2020, he played in all 12 games, making nine starts. Paced the Hilltoppers in receptions (43), yards (377) and touchdowns (4). Playing only one year in high school, Tinsley went to Hutchinson CC, where he was rated a three-star Juco prospect by 247Sports.
