Osirus Mitchell NFL Draft Overview
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’-5”
Weight: 200 pounds
School: Mississippi State
2021 NFL Draft Profile: Osirus Mitchell
Entering the 2021 NFL draft class, Osirus Mitchell finds himself towards the bottom of a large list at wide receiver. From Sarasota, Florida, Mitchell joined Mississippi State and played four seasons for the university. Mitchell maintained decent production in his time as a Bulldog. His 2020 season saw him lead his team in touchdowns, playing only six of the 11 games that year.
As a redshirt freshman, Mitchell posted numbers in a backup role, just five receptions for 51 yards. The big body pass-catcher would break out his sophomore year with a team-high 26 receptions, 427 yards, and four touchdowns. Another great season in 2019, Mitchell produced what was his best year, 29 receptions, 430 yards, and six touchdowns. This jump in production was likely due to a now starting role and offensive scheme switch. In 2020 he again led the team in touchdowns with four, but the quiet production might prevent him from hearing his name come draft day.
Strengths
- Big hands and bigger catch radius;
- Very high catch point – redzone threat;
- Tracks balls over his shoulder at a high level;
- 35 inch arms and 82 inch wingspan;
- Stride loses corners in crossing routes.
Weaknesses
- Difficulty separating from press;
- Slow into his cuts;
- Hesitates in traffic or over middle;
- Drops routine catches occasionally;
- Gives away routes with eyes.
NFL Comparison: Equanimeous St. Brown
Teams With Need at Position: New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears
Projection: Undrafted, Seventh Round
Bottom Line on Osirus Mitchell
An athlete at basketball as well, Mitchell shifted his focus to the gridiron in college. His size and athleticism are ideal for producing in the NFL, but something is left to be desired from his play. The Mississippi State product has the skills to excel as a fourth or fifth option in red zone packages. Mitchell has the ability to win jump balls and could create matchup issues in an Air Raid offense. With a towering 6’5” frame, coaches could look for his services in the later rounds. The traits for a security blanket type player are present and raw. Mitchell could be coached into being a viable pass catcher for an NFL quarterback.
A large body and leaping ability are not all it takes to play receiver in the NFL. Mitchell lacks the polish in his route running to separate from corners, small or large. While his long stride helps in crossing routes, it hinders him in his release. Hesitating in traffic, Mitchell also has the occasional drop on plays that seem fundamental. If he wants to succeed at the NFL level, Mitchell will need to tune his release the most. Press corners will be looking to jam a man his size. If Mitchell can show he can separate at the next level, his big body may end up working well on whole drives, rather than the last twenty yards.
Looking to be the first Mississippi State receiver drafted in 25 years, Mitchell may fall just short of the draft-day fantasy. While he excels on fades, slants, and jump balls, his polish elsewhere in the route tree is skeptical. If teams get enamored with his measurables, however, Mitchell will hear his name called late. Pass happy coaches like Kliff Kingsbury for the Arizona Cardinals could look to employ the prospect as a sixth option. If not chosen for the passing game, Mitchell could also find time on a practice roster or helping on special teams.
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