Keaton Mitchell took the NFL by storm.
As an undrafted rookie in 2023 out of East Carolina, Mitchell could hardly be stopped.
That season, he took 47 carries for 396 yards, a ridiculous 8.4 yards per tote. He also had nine catches for 93 yards, and scored a pair of rushing TDs.
But he only lasted eight games before a season-ending injury, one that took Mitchell out of all but five games in 2024, too.
And when he was on the field last season, for very limited action, Mitchell didn’t look the same. He had just 15 carries for 30 yards.
MORE: Micah Parsons breaks silence on his trade request
Derrick Henry is still the bellcow in Baltimore. of course, but Mitchell looks like a different man this summer.
Here’s what The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec wrote on X on Sunday:
“RB Keaton Mitchell just turned a short catch from Cooper Rush into a TD. His speed has been evident in camp. Has different look than he had last year when he was just getting back from major knee injury.”
On a basic level, Ravens fans have to be pumped about this. Mitchell can still be a long-term piece in Baltimore, and if he’s back to his old self, that’s a huge development.
It’s also notable for fantasy football players, who were pumped about Mitchell during his rookie season but didn’t get to see him do much of anything last year.
MORE: Buccaneers’ coach reveals chances of Shilo Sanders making Tampa Bay NFL roster
If Mitchell gets the direct backup job to Henry, he’s an exciting handcuff. Even if not, he may be a speculative last-round pick as someone who needs only one touch to score a touchdown.
More likely, he’s a name you circle on the waiver wire. If there are any signs in the first few weeks that Mitchell is going to have a real role in the Ravens’ offense, and if he seems genuinely explosive, then he’s a guy to snag before he erupts.
Mitchell might still have star potential. Just don’t forget he’s out there.
MORE NFL NEWS:
