Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Earl Mitchell (Arizona) - 2010 NFL Draft Pick #81 by HOU

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Earl Mitchell (2010 NFL Draft)

College: University of Arizona

Overview

Earl Mitchell was a defensive tackle from the University of Arizona who entered the 2010 NFL Draft after an impressive college career. Known for his quickness and agility, Mitchell was projected to be a solid contributor at the next level.

Strengths

• Quickness: Mitchell displayed exceptional quickness off the line of scrimmage, allowing him to penetrate opposing offensive lines.
• Agility: His agility made him effective in both pass-rushing situations and run defense, as he could change direction quickly.
• Work Ethic: Known for his strong work ethic, Mitchell was praised for his dedication to improving his skills and conditioning.
• Versatility: He had the ability to play both defensive tackle positions, giving teams flexibility in their defensive schemes.

Weaknesses

• Size: At 300 pounds, some scouts were concerned that he might be undersized for a traditional defensive tackle role in the NFL.
• Strength: While quick, he occasionally struggled against larger offensive linemen in one-on-one situations.
• Consistency: There were questions about his ability to maintain consistent performance throughout games and against higher competition.

Projected Draft Position

Mitchell was projected to be selected in the 3rd to 5th round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a quick, agile defensive tackle to disrupt plays and fit into a rotation were particularly interested in his skill set.

Conclusion

Earl Mitchell was viewed as a promising prospect with the potential to develop into a key player in the NFL. His quickness and work ethic were highly praised, though his size and strength were points of concern that teams had to consider during the draft process.