James Mitchell
No. 82 – Detroit Lions
Position:Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1999-08-11) August 11, 1999 (age 23)
Big Stone Gap, Virginia
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:249 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High school:Union
(Big Stone Gap, VA)
College:Virginia Tech (2018–2021)
NFL Draft:2022 / Round: 5 / Pick: 177
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career NFL statistics as of Week 10, 2022
Receptions:5
Receiving yards:48
Receiving touchdowns:1
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

James Maxell Mitchell (born August 11, 1999) is an American football tight end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Virginia Tech.

Early life and high school

Mitchell grew up in Big Stone Gap, Virginia and attended Union High School.[1] He committed to play college football at Virginia Tech over offers from Duke and Georgia.[2]

College career

Mitchell played in 13 games, primarily on special teams, as a freshman.[3] He became a starter as a sophomore and caught 21 passes for 361 yards with two touchdowns.[4] Mitchell had 26 receptions for 435 yards and four touchdowns as a junior.[5] Mitchell considered entering the 2021 NFL Draft, but opted to stay at Virginia Tech for his senior season.[6] Mitchell suffered a season-ending injury in the second game of his senior year.[7] Following the end of the season, he announced that he would be entering the 2022 NFL Draft.[8]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span Bench press
6 ft 4 in
(1.93 m)
249 lb
(113 kg)
32+78 in
(0.84 m)
9+34 in
(0.25 m)
18 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[9][10]

Mitchell was selected in the fifth round with the 177th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.[11]

References

  1. ^ Bitter, Andy (April 17, 2019). "A small-town big star? That could be the case for Virginia Tech TE James Mitchell". The Athletic. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  2. ^ Gregory, Allen (December 15, 2017). "Union's James Mitchell picks Virginia Tech". Bristol Herald Courier. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  3. ^ "Virginia Tech's James Mitchell could be a versatile playmaker next season". The Virginian-Pilot. May 21, 2019. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  4. ^ Krull, Jesse (April 14, 2020). "Virginia Tech's James Mitchell staying sharp this spring". WJHL.com. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  5. ^ "Virginia Tech tight end James Mitchell is ready to finish the race". Roanoke Times. August 30, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  6. ^ ""I'm back." After decision to return to Virginia Tech, James Mitchell looks forward to improve NFL draft prospects". The Virginian-Pilot. February 16, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  7. ^ Hale, David M. (September 13, 2021). "Virginia Tech football star James Mitchell to have season-ending knee surgery". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  8. ^ Krull, Jesse (December 7, 2021). "James Mitchell declares for the NFL Draft". WJHL.com. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  9. ^ "James Mitchell Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  10. ^ "2022 Draft Scout James Mitchell, Virginia Tech NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  11. ^ "Detroit Lions take Virginia Tech TE James Mitchell with 5th round pick in NFL draft". Detroit Free Press. April 30, 2022. Retrieved April 30, 2022.