On Tuesday, news broke that the Detroit Lions had traded tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings. Following the announcement, we put up an article on how Brock Wright will likely be the Lions’ new TE 1, but what about TE 2? Well, that role is going to go to rookie James Mitchell, who has only been targeted one time in four games with the Lions. Earlier this week, Mitchell spoke to reporters and he said he is ready to step up and help his team.
James Mitchell is READY to step up for Detroit Lions
Though Mitchell has barely played for the Lions during his rookie season, he said he has been getting plenty of reps in practice and he is “ready” to help the offense.
“I do feel ready,” Mitchell said Wednesday. “I think they’ve done a good job preparing me. I haven’t got over six snaps in a game, but I’ve been repping a lot in practice and just building that trust and building that confidence in myself. I think I’m ready.”
Via Tim Twentyman – Detroit Lions
Lions head coach Dan Campbell also believes that with Hockenson gone, Mitchell is ready to have a bigger role.
“Mitchell every week has gotten a little bit better,” head coach Dan Campbell said this week. “He hasn’t gotten a heavy load, but this will be – he’s going to get more on his plate now, and we think he’ll be ready. We think he’s going to be ready for that. He works hard, he’s smart.”
Tim Twentyman – Detroit Lions
Prior to being selected by the Lions in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Mitchell played his college ball at Virginia Tech. During his first two seasons with the Hokies, he had 47 catches for 796 yards and six touchdowns in 20 games. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL in the second game of his senior campaign. Before getting hurt, he had five catches for 42 yards and a touchdown.
Nation, what do you think is the upside for Mitchell?
Here is a highlight video to give you a taste of his abilities.
