Looked as a potential late first-round draft pick, Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell likely will be a Year 1 contributor for whichever NFL team he joins. Boasting solid hands and the ability to track the ball as well as anyone else in this class, your dynasty team would benefit from drafting Mitchell this cycle.
Profile
- College: Texas
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 196 lbs.
- Age: 21
- Year: Junior
- Draft Projection: Late 1st – Early 2nd Round
College Career
| Season | School | Games | Receptions | Yards | TD | Rec/Game | Yards Per Catch | Yards per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Texas | 15 | 29 | 426 | 4 | 1.9 | 14.7 | 28.4 |
| 2022 | Texas | 6 | 9 | 134 | 3 | 1.5 | 14.9 | 22.33 |
| 2023 | Texas | 14 | 55 | 845 | 11 | 3.9 | 15.4 | 60.4 |
| Career | Texas |
While not boasting an eye-popping college career, Mitchell made stops at Georgia and Texas before jumping to the NFL. His junior season catapulted him onto the radar of teams, recording career highs in every major receiving category.
While playing alongside fellow draftee Xavier Worthy, Mitchell thrived in the Longhorn offense, as Quinn Ewers found Mitchell often. While Worthy led the team in receptions and yards, Mitchell’s 11 scores were the best by a wide margin.
Strengths
Route Running
Mitchell understands the game just about as well as any prospect in this year’s class. Being able to stem off defenders early on in his routes helps him earn separation at the line of scrimmage, giving his QB a chance to lock onto his target early.
Adonai Mitchell (Texas WR) has the talent to be a late 1st round pick in the NFL Draft.
— Pete Bartausky (@PeteBartausky) January 20, 2024
✅6 ft 4 in
✅Smooth route runner
✅Understands leverage and spacing
✅+ Body control
✅126.8 QB Rating When targeted
✅1 drop this season pic.twitter.com/N1rnXaj2O9
For a receiver to utilize his athleticism like Mitchell does, his cuts and hip usage are exactly what you want. That fluidity can be taught, but being drafted with it only puts him further in his development.
Ball-Tracking Abilities
It’s one thing to run good routes, but if you’re a receiver who can’t track the ball, it doesn’t matter. Thankfully, Mitchell is sound in this area, locating the ball in the air and positioning himself well.
Adonai Mitchell with the downfield adjustment + hand eye coordination
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) January 27, 2024
pic.twitter.com/Ls0BE6kHzr
Hands
Mitchell has what I like to call ‘situational’ hands, which means he will utilize his hands in multiple ways.
He uses strong hands when needing to high-point a reception, soft hands when needing to cradle the ball when making a body catch, and late hands when needing to keep his defender guessing.
Big boy contested catch for Adonai Mitchell vs one of the best CBs in the nation. Late hands + athleticism from Mitchell to win on this rep
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) January 27, 2024
pic.twitter.com/FIyqbWJB3a
Weaknesses
Speed
Mitchell isn’t the type of receiver to run away from defenders, so he needs to make a living through his route-running abilities. Not having breakaway speed limits his slot usage, especially on jet sweeps/motions, but it’s not like Mitchell is slow.
Yards after Catch
Mitchell’s speed contributes to his low yards after the catch, but this can be improved at the next level. With Mitchell likely spending time in the slot and on the boundary in the NFL, expect his work in this area to increase.
Projected Draft Capital and Dynasty Outlook
It’s fair to question if Mitchell is a one-year wonder or if he will translate into the NFL. But all pre-draft signs point to him being able to be a real contributor right out of the gate.
One of the taller receivers in this class with excellent hands, Mitchell should fall near the end of the first round/early second round of both the NFL and your rookie drafts. This year, your drafts will be WR-heavy, with Mitchell being a part of Tier 2 in this class. His value is typically not found this late in rookie drafts, which makes Mitchell a target.
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