Keaton Mitchell NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’-8”
Weight: 179 pounds
School: East Carolina
2023 NFL Draft: Keaton Mitchell Scouting Profile
Keaton Mitchell is one of the most electric running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft class. After three seasons at East Carolina, he is officially heading to the pros. In 33 games over three years, Mitchell totaled 523 touches for 3,607 yards and 28 touchdowns. That is high-quality productivity at the FBS level. In fact, he averaged over five yards per carry in every season of his college career. The 2023 NFL Draft is full of talent at the running back position. Despite that, in the right situation, Keaton Mitchell’s draft profile projects he can have an impact on an NFL roster in year one.
As a freshman Mitchell made good on his limited opportunities rushing for 443 yards on 88 carries in nine games. During his sophomore season, he exploded for 1132 yards on 174 attempts for 9 touchdowns. Averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry. Additionally, he caught 22 passes for 253 yards and one touchdown, doubling his reception total from his first year. Last season was Mitchell’s best season in college. Rushing for 1452 yards on 201 carries for 14 touchdowns, averaging a staggering 7.2 yards per carry. Adding 27 receptions for 252 yards and one touchdown to an outstanding season. Mitchell improved every season in college and hopes to continue that progression at the NFL level.
Strengths
- Elite speed and acceleration – third fastest 40-yard dash for running backs at the NFL Combine;
- Keeps a low pad level and has exceptional balance;
- Good vision and cuts quickly through open holes;
- Natural hands that allow him to snatch balls out of the air;
- Above average route runner – matchup nightmare for linebackers;
- Great ball security, only had 2 fumbles at East Carolina.
Weaknesses
- Small for an NFL running back;
- Not very physical at the point of attack;
- Does not finish runs falling forward for extra yards;
- Fails to hold up in pass protection;
- Bounces runs outside way too often;
- Did not play against great college competition;
- For someone who is exceptionally fast he was not used as a kick returner in college.
NFL Comparison: Tarik Cohen
Teams With Need At Position: Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Chargers
Projection: Fifth-Round Pick
Bottom Line on Keaton Mitchell
As a result of his position and smaller size, Keaton Mitchell will get knocked down the draft board. Despite not projecting to be a three-down starting running back at the NFL level, with his explosive speed and ability to catch out of the backfield, Mitchell can find himself a nice role in the NFL. In fact, with the ball in his hands, he has a chance to score from all over the field.
He improved in all three seasons at East Carolina, both as a runner and a pass catcher. He is especially bad at pass protection; if used in that role he is being set up for failure. He is excellent at protecting the ball with only two fumbles in 523 touches overall and zero last season. Therefore he is best suited for a team looking for a third-down back with soft hands and big-play potential.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
