A look at how Carlton Mitchell stacks up

Posted Feb 28, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Feb 28, 2010 at 10:01 PM

Former Gaither High and USF receiver Carlton Mitchell worked out at the NFL combine on Sunday, registering an official time of 4.49 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Mitchell’s time in the 40 was 10th among wide receivers. Clemson’s Jacoby Ford was first with a blazing time of 4.28 seconds.

At 6-3, 215 pounds, Mitchell’s performance was impressive considering his size and weight. In other events at the combine, Mitchell’s best performance among receivers is eighth in the bench press (225 pounds, 16 reps) and eighth in the broad jump (10 feet, 2 inches).

Here is how a scout rates Mitchell for NFL.com:

STRENGTHS:

Mitchell has an elite combination of size and speed for the next level. Has big, strong hands. His height and long-range speed make him a legitimate deep threat. Has a ton of upside potential. Is a ferocious blocker. Will really compete for the football in traffic and isn’t afraid to take a big hit.

WEAKNESSES:

Mitchell is still a very raw prospect whose draft status could have improved with another year of seasoning. At this time, he’s a poor route runner on short to intermediate routes. He also likes to body catch and must do a better job of attacking the football away from his frame.

As for the top receivers available in April’s draft, here are the top five according to NFL.com’s Vic Carucci and his comments about each player:

Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State, 6-2, 225

His combination of size, strength, speed, and athleticism put him in an elite category. Some talent-evaluators say Bryant reminds them of Houston’s Andre Johnson. Bryant catches the ball extremely well and excels at making the difficult catch, because he knows how to maximize his power and put his large frame between himself and the defender. He’s a willing blocker and does a nice job in that area. The team that selects Bryant should get an immediate starter who will make a strong impact.

Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech, 6-3, 224

He’s expected to need about four to six weeks to recover from his broken foot, but that shouldn’t greatly damage his stock. Thomas has game-breaking skills once the ball is in his hands. He shows tremendous acceleration, and his size and strength allow him to rip through would-be tacklers. Thomas looks to be the best blocker of this year’s receiving group. Not only does he have the size and strength to block effectively, he also takes a great deal of pride in doing it well.

Golden Tate, Notre Dame, 5-10, 199

There might not be a better run-after-catch receiver in the draft. Some scouts think his physique and toughness make him look a little more like a running back than a receiver. Tate is a good route-runner and does a nice job of finding seams in coverage. His hands are superb, and he has the athleticism and strength to make tough catches. Although Tate doesn’t have elite speed, he runs well enough and should help his draft stock in pre-draft auditions.

Arrelious Benn, Illinois, 6-1, 219

He’s a big, strong, outstanding athlete, and those qualities should be enough for him to be regarded as one of the top receivers in the draft. But Benn has shown some inconsistency when it comes to concentration and has dropped more passes than scouts would prefer. Once the ball is in his hands, he does a good job of gaining yards, often by simply running over defenders. Blocking is another of Benn’s strengths.

Mike Williams, Syracuse, 6-1, 221

He’s among the more interesting members of this year’s receiver class. Williams has the sort of size, strength and athleticism that any team would desire. But there are significant concerns about his character after he was suspended for the 2008 season and chose to quit the team last year before being suspended for one game. Coaches are never comfortable with a player who quits. Williams’ lack of great speed could also work to his disadvantage, but it shouldn’t drive him too far down the board.