Max Mitchell is a former 2-star recruit that has been a key contributor for the Ragin’ Cajun program since his freshman year. Over his career at ULL, Mitchell has managed to contribute/start in more than 40 games. Following his junior year, Mitchell was named to the All-Sun-Belt second team. Although Mitchell plays at a smaller school, ULL has competed at a high level and even spent time in the Top 25. During his time at ULL, Mitchell was able to get experience playing good competition, competing against Power 5 programs like Texas and Iowa State—Mitchell played well in both games. Mitchell is an athletic tackle that can get great depth on his pass set to beat defenders to the point. Mitchell also has good lateral movement and can mirror pass rushers when they attempt counter moves and change direction. While Mitchell has good lower lateral movement and ability to redirect, he lacks upper-body strength, which affects his ability to quickly anchor against defenders who are attempting to convert speed to power. Mitchell shows athletic traits that translate to the NFL, but his success will be determined by his ability to gain upper-body strength to not only be able to effectively block speed rushers but also rushers who have an element of power in their game.

Ideal Role: LT or RT

Scheme Fit: Zone run blocking scheme / excels in pass protection in any scheme

FILM EVALUATION

Written by Keith Sanchez

Games watched: Iowa State (2020), Texas (2021), Troy (2021), South Alabama (2021)

Best Game Studied: Texas (2021)

Worst Game Studied: Iowa State (2021)

Balance: Mitchell possesses really good balance that is shown in both pass protection and in the run game. In pass protection, he does a good job re-gathering himself when there is unexpected contact from stunts and twists. As a run blocker, he shows good balance in his ability to effectively climb to second-level defenders under control.

Pass Sets: This is Mitchell’s best trait. Mitchell has good reactionary athleticism to mirror the initial and counter moves of pass rushers. He gets good depth in his pass sets, so he can beat defenders to the spot and it allows for him to be in position and get prepared for contact. Mitchell shows to be an advanced pass protector and seems comfortable while in pass protection.

Competitive Toughness: Mitchell is a high-level competitor in both the run game and as a pass protector. In the run game, Mitchell works to finish blocks and will make the effort to stick with his blocks throughout the duration of the play. In pass protection, Mitchell fights to hang in there on blocks and will contour his body in unorthodox ways to hang on to the last second to finish a block.

Lateral Mobility: See Above.

Length: This player has good length that he can use to his advantage in multiple different ways. Mitchell uses his arm length to engage with defenders in pass protection and stop them in their pass rush. He also uses his arm length to reach defenders in the run game and cut defenders off.

Football IQ:  See Above.

Hand Technique: Mitchell showed to have precise hand placement when engaging with defenders. He was intentional with his hands and often was able to properly place his hands on the inside chest plate of defenders at initial contact. Mitchell was also good at resetting his hands if they started to fall outside of the target zone.

Anchor Ability: This is an aspect of Mitchell’s game that needs improvement and I believe it’s centered around his ability to get stronger. When defenders convert speed to power on Mitchell, he gives up ground into the pocket. It often takes him a while to regather himself and make the effort to anchor himself in pass protection.

Power At POA: At the point of attack, Mitchell does a good job with his initial contact; he just lacks the overall strength to continue to impact the defender. After the initial contact, Mitchell lacks the overall strength to drive defenders off the ball and generate movement on the line of scrimmage. Mitchell has a lean frame and needs to add more strength to his game to be able to dominate the point of attack.

Versatility: See Above.

SCOUT GRADES

TDN Consensus: 70.17/100 (Fifth Round Value

Crabbs Grade: 70.50/100

Marino Grade: 69.00/100

Sanchez Grade: 71.00/100