Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft: Reactions and pick grades
By Zach Payne
Round 5, No. 177 overall: James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech
Detroit wanted to get a more bonafide pass-catching tight end behind T.J. Hockenson, and they seem to be getting that in Mitchell. He should come in and immediately compete for the TE2 role with Brock Wright and Garrett Griffin.
New #Lions TE James Mitchell is mostly a receiving TE who can also play as a move piece in the slot and out wide.
— Brett Whitefield (@BGWhitefield) April 30, 2022
Here (lined up slot-left), is a good example of how he was used. 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/8HRBrdNV3N
Mitchell is described by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler as a “three-level pass-catching threat with outstanding body control and hand strength.”
If he can develop into a solid blocker, Mitchell has the chance to cement himself as the second tight end on the roster. However, at worst he will provide the Lions with another pass-catching option, which is never a bad thing.
Mitchell, like Jameson Williams, is coming off a torn ACL he suffered last season. But Mitchell suffered his injury in September, so he is significantly closer to returning and expects to be fully cleared by June.
Based solely on ceiling, Mitchell checks the box of what Detroit needed to add to their tight end room.
Grade: B