2024 Dynasty Rookie Early Look: Adonai Mitchell, WR Texas
Seldom a big name in devy circles despite dripping with potential from day one at Georgia, Texas receiver Adonai Mitchell has raised his profile considerably with the Longhorns. He was an essential piece of their run to the College Football Playoff and has established himself as one of the nation’s best red zone weapons. Mitchell declared for the draft with a love letter to his daughter, an article that illuminates his decision to choose Texas while setting the stage for him to crash to the 2024 NFL Draft party.
Recruitment
Courtesy of 247 Sports.
Mitchell – who attended high school in Tennessee – was on the radar of many SEC schools. After originally committing to Ole Miss, Mitchell reneged and pledged to Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs in July of 2020.
Despite the recruiting love from schools across the nation, Mitchell has exceeded the expectations set by recruiting services. On3 was by far the most bullish on him, placing him as the 18th-ranked wide receiver in the 2021 class. Rivals was the next highest, having him all the way down at 51st, with 247 (linked above) ranking him at number 60 and ESPN at number 86. On3 was the only service to appreciate his potential and he has proven them prescient.
Collegiate Career
Courtesy of Sports Reference.
Mitchell flashed as a freshman at Georgia, including a critical touchdown catch in the national championship game against Alabama. His sophomore season was riddled with injury and became essentially a lost campaign. He rebounded in Austin, leading the team in touchdowns while finishing second in receiving yards behind another premier prospect in Xavier Worthy.
Amazingly, Mitchell has scored a touchdown in all five playoff games he has participated in. He has come up in big spots throughout his career, which may not mean much when portending fantasy success but will be an interesting footnote on his career whenever it concludes.
Athletic Profile
Our opinions on Mitchell’s athleticism mostly stem from what we have seen on the field. We do not have official high school testing numbers, limiting what we can surmise about his pure, raw athleticism.
On the field, however, he leaves little doubt: he is a premier athlete. He can chew up yards with his long strides and has the lightness in his step to create separation off the line of scrimmage. He has more than enough athleticism to allay any concerns he will be taking the field with superior athletes at the NFL level.
Strengths
- Elite length
- Advanced route runner
- Perfectly suited to dominate in the red zone
- Naturally plucks the ball with his hands; does not let the ball get into his body
- Size and flexibility allow him to work the boundary gracefully
Weaknesses
- Can play upright, allowing corners to get leverage
- May lack versatility and be confined to the boundary
Draft Value
Courtesy of NFL Mock Draft Database
Mitchell had a quick ascension in 2023, perhaps largely in part due to his multiple-touchdown performance in a massive September game against Alabama. His value then plateaued right along the first and second-round fringe.
Like all receivers in this class not named Marvin Harrison Jr, Mitchell may be pushed down the board a few slots due to the sheer depth of talent this class possesses. He also may not be a fit for all teams, as his skillset screams boundary receiver and many teams already have an ‘X’ in place. These are fairly minor concerns, however. Mitchell’s size and athletic profile speak to a player who will go in the top two rounds, cementing the former Bulldog and Longhorn as a high rookie pick.
Dynasty Outlook
Mitchell is well-respected in early rankings, clocking in as the 12th overall player and the eighth wide receiver in 1QB leagues. Being mocked in round two and in some cases round one will give you a lofty ranking, as those players are granted elite draft capital along with early opportunity.
The great thing about this receiver class is dynasty managers in need of juice at the position will be able to add talent throughout rookie drafts. Picking near the top of round one? You will have a shot to land one of the best receiver prospects we have seen in Marvin Harrison Jr. Not picking until late in round one? You should have your pick of receivers between guys like Mitchell, Brian Thomas Jr, Xavier Worthy, and the like. Receivers are going to dominate 1QB rookie drafts.
A strong Scouting Combine could certainly push Mitchell towards the middle of the first round in both the NFL Draft and rookie drafts. He is a big-bodied receiver who has performed against high-level competition. Elite testing could move him ahead of receivers who come with much more fanfare. I have been a believer in Mitchell ever since his freshman season at Georgia and am the high man on him in DLF’s rookie rankings, slotting him at sixth overall and fifth among wide receivers. I am comfortable planting my flag on Mitchell as one of the premier talents in this year’s draft.
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