Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia
PLAYER OVERVIEW
It wasn't long ago that Mitchell looked destined for superstardom. Recurring knee injuries, however, very much have Mitchell's stock in flux.
A former five-star recruit once ticketed for superstardom, Mitchell spent time at wide receiver, cornerback, kick returner and punt returner in his first two seasons. He was slowed by two knee injuries and while his career production (174 catches for 2,350 yards and 16 touchdowns) is solid, it doesn't speak to Mitchell's natural skill-set.
In 2014, there were flashes of the ability he had shown previously as he hauled in 31 passes including three touchdowns but Mitchell averaged just eight yards per catch and his season-high was a 23-yard reception in a blowout victory over Kentucky.
STRENGTHS: Athletic frame with disproportionately long (32 7/8-inch) arms and big (10 3/8-inch) hands. Good athlete with terrific initial quickness off the ball. Has the straight-line speed to challenge as a deep threat.
Good body control and vision to locate the football for stop-fades, showing the ability to throttle down, make the contested catch with a defender draped on him and maintain his balance to get both feet in bounds. Explosive out of his breaks and doesn't go down easily. Grown in a pro-style offense, which should aid NFL transition.
WEAKNESSES: Plays bigger because of long arms but has only average height for the position. Doesn't use length to his advantage with bent-arm receptions. More quick than fast with opponents catching him from behind. Durability concerns persist after twice undergoing surgery on his right knee, missing most of the 2013 season with a torn ACL.
IN OUR VIEW: There is plenty of reason for optimism. Mitchell had career highs in receptions (58), receiving yards (865) and touchdowns (five) and a solid showing at the Senior Bowl caused scouts to take another look. Mitchell is a twitchy athlete with clear playmaking ability but he never produced as expected at Georgia.
