Elijah Mitchell

Mitchell's not the flashiest RB prospect in this class, but he's very productive in his opportunities. He thrives on running downhill and building up a head of steam. Would be excellent in a downhill running scheme. Average vision between the tackles though and won't be able to create much for himself. Will need an offensive line in the NFL that's able to create running lanes for him that he can easily identify and the exploit. Good short area burst for a player of his size, especially when he's running downhill. Won't be able to stop/start like many of the other players in this class, but has the ability to get the ball on the handoff and get upfield quickly. Struggles to change direction in the sense of lateral mobility. Excellent ability to create space through quick and strategic movements in tight windows, but will not be the type of running back to approach the line of scrimmage and then jump laterally a gap or two to exploit a new running lane. His footwork and center of gravity won't allow it.Can punish a defender that meets him in the hole. Good size and is willing to use force to pick up additional yardage. Surprising top-end speed for a player of his size. Won't pull away from every defender in the NFL for a 60-yard run, but has the ability to pick up chunk gains if the lane is there. Hard to bring down due to his elusiveness in tight windows with small movements, but does not consistently break tackles in the open field. Can keep his legs churning, but this won't be his best trait or how he wins in the NFL.Excellent pass-catcher out of the backfield. Good hand-eye coordination and able to adjust to the ball while it's in the air and make a tough grab. Utilized on a screen too on tape, which is rare for a CFB RB. Certainly won't soak up targets in the NFL, but does have the ability to be highly effective in the opportunity he'll receive.Willing participant in pass protection. Tends to drop his head from time to time, but does have the size and base that will be able to stand up to oncoming defenders. Certainly not his best trait, but also not a liability.

Elijah Mitchell selected No. 194 by the San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have selected running back Elijah Mitchell with the No. 194 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Fantasy Impact

Mitchell is a 5-foot-10, 201-pound back out of Lousiana Lafayette. He totaled 198 carries for 1,147 yards in 2019. In addition, he scored 17 total touchdowns, but ended up missing time the year before and last season. Mitchell, though, posseses a 97th percentile (4,4) 40-yard dash, a 86th percentile (107.3) speed score, and a 88th percentile (127.8) burst score. In other words, 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan just secrued a speed demon. Mitchell joins a crowded backfield, with the team drafting Trey Sermon in the third round. Both backs are joining Raheem Mostert, Jeffery Wilson, Wayne Gallman, and JaMycal Hasty in training camp this summer.