FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Texas receiver Adonai Mitchell.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Adonai Mitchell

Adonai Mitchell (WR – Texas)

6’4” – 196 lbs.

Background:

Three-star recruit who originally attended the University of Georgia. He made an immediate impact there as a freshman, catching 29-426-4 (28.4). Missed nine games the following year due to a high-ankle sprain, and was limited to just nine catches on the year (134 yards, three touchdowns). Ended up transferring to Texas this year, where he has put together a 51-813-10 (15.9) line heading into bowl season.

Positives:

Tall, long-limbed receiver who made his 2023 season by far his best. Usually lines up as a split end, but can slide into the slot as well. Effective route-runner who runs a relatively wide range of routes, shows attention to detail, and performed well against man coverage during the games reviewed. Nice split releases at the line against press. Runs routes hard, even when he’s not the primary receiver. Attacks leverage effectively as a route-runner. Does a nice job of sinking his hips at the route stem, showing good flexibility and agility. Sells double-moves well. Knows how to change speeds and lull defenders into a false sense of security. Nuance has allowed him to function effectively as a deep threat. Can track the ball over his shoulder, and is a flexible receiver who can adjust to off-target throws. Offers a reliable pair of hands; had issues with drops as a freshman, but has dropped just one pass over the past two seasons. Sells out for throws and is pretty hard to overshoot. Shows good acceleration with the ball in his hands on shorter routes.

Negatives:

Frame is a little bit on the lanky side, and will probably need to continue adding functional strength at the next level. Fast for his size, but probably won’t blow away too many pro defensive backs with pure speed. Doesn’t play quite as big as he is; would have liked to see more aggressiveness and verticality when attacking the football. Doesn’t survive a ton of contact as a runner. Could use more consistent form as a blocker; lapses into throwing his body around too often, playing outside his frame and negating his leverage. 2022 ankle injury will require investigation during the pre-draft process.

Summary:

A tall receiver who shows good flexibility and attention to detail as a route-runner, looking a bit savvier than anticipated considering he missed most of his sophomore season with injury. He was able to successfully create separation downfield on a number of occasions during the games reviewed, as he sells fakes, sinks his hips, and has impressive agility to stack defenders. Assuming teams are confident in his medicals, should be off the board no later than the second round or so.

Projection: Round 2