Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - With the 2024 NFL Combine in the rear view mirror, we can look back now at the wide receivers group that took center stage in Indianapolis.
This included two University of Texas stars, as Xavier Worthy stole the spotlight by breaking the 40-yard dash record at the Combine with a 4.21 mark.
The other Texas wideout, Adonai Mitchell, weighed in at over 200 pounds and looked to be one of the more explosive athletes overall. That's who we'll take a look at with this draft profile.
With his recent history of trading up in the first round of the NFL Draft, it's very possible we could see general manager Brandon Beane make another similar move to package some of his later-round draft picks and move up the draft board to select one of the higher potential offensive players in, what is expected to be, a historic 2024 draft class.
Mitchell’s official measurements saw him come in at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, which looks to be around 10 pounds more than what he played at while with Texas. To go along with that, Mitchell posted a 4.34 40-yard dash, and registered one the best broad jumps at 11 feet and 4 inches.
What made his day at the Combine so impressive was his ability to show off his athleticism.
While most draft pundits already know he has the potential to be one of the better wide receivers in this class, his athleticism add the added weight showed many just how much is left in Mitchell’s game.
If the Bills do decide to move up in Round 1, which I believe they may have to do in order to land Mitchell or any target they hope to draft, Mitchell would come in immediately as the No. 2 wideout in Buffalo.
The 21-year-old showed an explosiveness that was not on display much at Texas, while being one of the more sure-handed wide receivers in this class. Mitchell registered just one drop this past season with the Longhorns, and has shown a willingness to high point the ball and fight defenders for 50/50 balls using his long frame.
Mitchell is also smooth in his route running, and does not rely on body catches.
Mitchell only had one year of starting at Texas, and was used more as a utility guy in his two seasons played at the University of Georgia. But in the big moments, he did have a touchdown in all four playoff games he started for the Bulldogs.
Once he arrived in Austin, Mitchell became the No. 2 to Worthy and had his best season, posting 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns, including one in the Longhorns' loss to the University of Washington in the College Football Playoff Semifinal Round.
Mitchell made noise at the Combine when he admitted to not always running routes 100% to conserve his energy for entire drives, but also if he knows the ball *shouldn’t* come his way.
While I can understand many not loving to hear this, it makes sense to me.
There are absolutely defensive concepts that will take Mitchell out of the equation, and it should leave others open. Why throw 100% of your effort when the very next play could be 1-on-1 man coverage that you could potentially beat someone over the top? Mitchell plays the long game, something I would consider wise beyond his years.
Look at Bills edge rusher Von Miller, who said something similar when he first arrived about making sure he’s there in the fourth quarter. Before his ACL tear on Thanksgiving in 2022, Miller was a game-wrecker when the Bills needed him most.
I don’t think Mitchell is the best wide receiver in this class, though. He is raw and needs some seasoning, but the Bills have a healthy need of a second outside wide receiver. In addition, they have a quarterback in Josh Allen who is willing and able to throw the ball all over the yard, which is where Mitchell could flourish early.
I also think he is worth moving up a bit for because of the potential.
Stefon Diggs is 30-years-old and will be 31 by the end of next season. The Bills have to start looking for his replacement after two-straight seasons of far-less production from Diggs by the end of the year.
With the rare gifts of size, speed, fluidity and fantastic hands, the Bills would be hard-pressed to find someone better at the wide receiver position where they are expected to draft.
In five years time, the rest of the league could be wondering how they let a player like Mitchell fall to the Bills.
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