2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Keaton Mitchell (RB – East Carolina)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Keaton Mitchell.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Keaton Mitchell (RB – East Carolina)

Keaton Mitchell (RB – East Carolina)

5’9″ – 184 lbs.

Background:

Was a three-star recruit who spent his first two seasons in a committee with Rahjai Harris, finishing the shortened 2020 season with 88-443-2 (5.0) and eleven catches, and expanded his output to 174-1,132-9 (6.5) with 22-253-1 receiving the following year. Was more of a primary ballcarrier this year as Harris was limited to just five games, finishing with an outstanding line of 201-1,452-14 (7.2) on the ground and 27-252-1 receiving.

Positives:

Has been highly productive in the Pirates’ zone-based running game the past two years. Jitterbug type with very impressive foot speed. Makes sharp cuts in the backfield and has the ability to bounce runs to the outside and pick up chunks of yardage. Can make defenders look silly in the hole because of his suddenness. Able to escape from early penetration and locate cutback opportunities to make something from nothing. Burst and top-end speed are solid, showing the ability to turn the corner and run away from opposing defensive backs. Shows impressive balance and flexibility. Active leg drive after contact to fight for additional yards. Ball security is very good, with just two career fumbles. Ability to make the first man miss can make him a dangerous weapon in space in the passing game.

Negatives:

Undersized for the position, which will likely lead to him being viewed as a change-of-pace back at the next level. Doesn’t always take what’s available to him, trying to bounce too many runs outside and sometimes exacerbating a bad situation; has a relatively high rate of negative runs, and could stand to execute the play as designed more consistently. Works hard to finish but isn’t going to break too many tackles and struggles to push the pile at the end of runs. Dropped six passes versus 61 career receptions, including four this past year, and was typically used as more of a safety valve. Lacks the size and contact balance teams look for in blitz pickup.

Summary:

One of the quickest and most elusive backs in this year’s draft class, but one who will likely need to play with more consistent discipline in order to carve out a change-of-pace role at the next level, as his tendency to bounce runs outside in search of splash plays also causes him to be tackled in the backfield more often than he should. Also has the agility to potentially contribute in the passing game if he improves his concentration, and should draw mid-round interest from zone-based teams looking for an outside runner to create a spark offensively.

Projection: Round 5