An undrafted free agent in 2023, Mitchell burst onto the scene midway through his rookie campaign, bursting into big games and adding explosiveness to Baltimore’s offense. However, a brutal knee injury wiped out the hype and also ruined much of the 2024 season. Last year, he looked closer to his rookie self, earning 341 yards and a touchdown on 59 carries, with a long run of 55 yards. Buried behind Derrick Henry, there simply weren’t many opportunities for Mitchell.
A year away from injury should hopefully open up more opportunities to showcase that speed.
Giving McDaniel a player with Mitchell’s speed is intriguing for the Chargers, who have second-round quarterback Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal atop the depth chart. We saw what McDaniel did with De’Von Achane in the third round in Miami. While Mitchell doesn’t possess that kind of explosiveness (who does?), his speed can be very useful for the new LA OC. The element Mitchell provides should help open up the new offense, especially on wide runs — if they can get the blocking right.