Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings Riser: Elijah Mitchell, RB SF

Elijah Mitchell

Jeff Smith Posted On August 20, 2022

Summer and the off-season are upon us. As dynasty owners, we are looking ahead to the upcoming season. In the Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings Risers and Fallers series, we break down some of the fantasy-relevant dynasty players, including rookies, and look at their values while providing actionable advice on what to do with them.

Elijah Mitchell, RB SF (August 2021 Rank=227.84, Current Rank=60.71)

Mitchell has gone from nearly undrafted (in the NFL and dynasty leagues) to a highly sought-after commodity. Even after the San Francisco 49ers selected Mitchell in the sixth round (194th overall), he still wasn’t on the radar of fantasy managers, being chosen at the back end of startup drafts.

Data Courtesy of DLF Dynasty Rankings History Comparison App.

A combination of injuries to Raheem Mostert and Trey Sermon last season and his excellence in camp earned Mitchell the chance to carry the load in 2021. The Louisiana grad suffered minor injuries of his own throughout the season but excelled enough to have a stellar rookie season, causing his rise in value.

Data Courtesy of DLF Change in Player Value App.

Only Javonte Williams and D’Andre Swift have seen a more significant rise in value than the former two-star recruit. We see Alvin Kamara, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Ezekiel Elliott on the opposite end of the spectrum. Many mentioned names are in the same area as Mitchell in the DLF running back rankings copied below.

Data Courtesy of DLF RB Rankings.

The RB26 finish in 2021 went a long way towards vaulting Mitchell up the rankings. Here is a look at the complete landscape of the current DLF running back rankings. Another season similar to last would likely rocket him into the top ten. Stay tuned.

More With Less

The RB26 finish for Mitchell is even more impressive when you realize it was done in just 11 games. That was good for an average of 15.0 points per contest, 16th-best in the league. His average points per game were only one less than stud Dalvin Cook, a half point behind Nick Chubb, and a half point ahead of Ezekiel Elliott.

Data Courtesy of Draft Buddy.

The rookie was a machine in 2021, earning an RB1/RB2 finish in seven out of 11 games, including one inside the top five. Another promising sign is his number of hundred-yard rushing games. Mitchell achieved that feat in five of eleven games played.

Data Courtesy of DLF Player Scoring History App.

His efficiency in rushing yards led to an impressive eighth-place finish amongst qualifying running backs. Where the struggles exist are in the passing game. Mitchell ended the season 59th at the position in receptions and 58th in receiving yards.

Data Courtesy of DLF Player Scoring History App.

If he somehow integrated himself into the passing game, the sky would be the limit. Unfortunately, that is not likely to happen with how the 49ers use Deebo Samuel in the offense, and Trey Lance is now at the helm for 2022. Unfortunately, Mitchell is out for the preseason due to another injury (shoulder) and may get off to a slow start.

Coach’s Pet

When healthy, it is clear that the 24-year-old is a favorite of head coach Kyle Shanahan. Mitchell dominated the snaps down the stretch whenever he was active on gameday. Jeff Wilson Jr supplanted Trey Sermon – the other rookie running back on the roster – after week 11, and spelled Mitchell only when needed.

Data Courtesy of DLF Snap Count App.

Shanahan has historically ridden the hot hand at running back, as evidenced by the fantasy finishes of several running backs throughout his career as an offensive coordinator and head coach. You can go back to 2008 when “Shanny” was able to turn Steve Slaton into an RB7. Other backs who have found success include Alfred Morris, Devonta Freeman, and Carlos Hyde.

Data Courtesy of DLF Coaching History App.

The offense as a whole should be much improved with Lance taking over. The team has a complete arsenal of weapons, including Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle. Interestingly, San Francisco selected running back Tyrion Davis-Price in the third round back in May. That is more likely an indictment on Sermon than it is on Mitchell.

Conclusion/Course of Action

The stars are aligned for Mitchell to have another great (if healthy) season. But how long can we count on him in dynasty leagues? We noted earlier that he is 24 years old already. The already lengthy list of injuries on his resume brings into question the longevity factor. Below is a list of recent trades involving the 5’10” 200-pound running back.

Data Courtesy of DLF Trade Finder.

Looking at recent trades that have gone down, I think I would get out while I can. There are too many red flags and question marks surrounding Mitchell to invest that much in, especially at a position with a short shelf life. Sell high.

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Jeff Smith

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

Jeff is a “jack of all trades” type fantasy player. He specializes in dynasty but also dabbles in redraft and DFS. Baseball and golf are other fantasy formats he partakes in regularly. Family, sports and IT are his biggest passions.

He graduated from SUNY Alfred State in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Technology Management. When he is not writing or playing video games, Jeff spends time with his wife Naomi and their Bichon Poo, Daisy.