Mitch White (Oregon St.) - 2001 NFL Draft Pick #185 by NO
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Mitch White (Oregon State)
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 300 lbs
College: Oregon State University
Overview
Mitch White was a standout offensive lineman at Oregon State, known for his size, strength, and versatility on the line. With a solid collegiate career, he entered the 2001 NFL Draft with considerable attention from scouts and teams looking to bolster their offensive front.
Strengths
- Physicality: White possesses a strong, powerful build that allows him to hold his ground against defensive linemen.
- Footwork: Demonstrated good footwork in pass protection, allowing him to effectively block edge rushers.
- Run Blocking: His ability to drive defenders off the line made him a key asset in the run game for Oregon State.
- Experience: Played multiple positions along the offensive line, giving him valuable versatility that NFL teams covet.
Areas for Improvement
- Technique: Needs to refine his hand placement and blocking techniques to avoid penalties and improve efficiency.
- Injury History: Had some minor injuries during his college career, which raised questions about his durability at the professional level.
- Speed: While he has the size, he may lack the quickness to handle speed rushers consistently in the NFL.
Draft Projection
Mitch White was projected to be selected in the late rounds of the draft, with some teams considering him as a potential developmental player who could contribute on special teams or as a backup offensive lineman. His versatility and experience made him a valuable prospect, and teams were hopeful that with proper coaching, he could become a reliable starter in the league.
Conclusion
Mitch White's combination of size, strength, and collegiate experience made him an intriguing prospect in the 2001 NFL Draft. While there were areas for improvement, his potential to develop into a solid contributor at the next level kept him on the radar of many NFL teams.