Charles Mitchell to Falcons: Video Highlights, Analysis and Scouting Report

You won't find Charles Mitchell on many (if any) lists of the top safeties in the 2012 NFL draft, but don't let those sorts of absences fool you—the kid's a legit prospect in the defensive backfield.

What Mitchell lacks in top-end speed (4.63 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine, 4.52 at his Pro Day) or elite size (5'11, 202 pounds), he more than makes up for in strength, smarts and experience. A three-year starter and team captain at Mississippi State, Mitchell is a natural-born leader who knows his strengths and weaknesses well, prepares diligently for every game and has the fearlessness and strength to star in run support.

And now that Mitchell has made it to the NFL, let's have a look at what lies ahead for the former Bulldog during the next phase of his football career.

What Mitchell Brings to the Team 

Don't expect Mitchell to be an explosive playmaker who wreaks havoc all over the field—that's just not his game.

Rather, Mitchell is a sure tackler who puts his considerable strength to good use in the run game, allowing him to rack up better than 90 tackles in each of his final two seasons at MSU.

Mitchell's managed to make the most of his given skill set, absent top-flight football speed, by logging limitless hours studying film and preparing himself for any given game both physically and mentally. Such dedication allows Mitchell to position himself properly on most plays, thereby making up for the fact that his body doesn't allow him the leeway to improvise.

Mitchell's best work in the deep secondary comes in zone coverage, which allows him to read and react to plays within a set scheme. It's within these confines that Mitchell is best able to turn the tide in a given game, as he did with his two interceptions during the 2009 Egg Bowl against Ole Miss. 

What Experts Are Saying 

Walter Cherapinsky of WalterFootball.com lists Charles Mitchell as the 24th-best safety in the class of 2012 and says of his style of play:

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"Mitchell does well in run support, but didn't produce any interceptions this year."

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Bleacher Report NFL Draft guru Matt Miller has pegged Mitchell as the 11th-best strong safety available.

Mitchell's scouting report at NFL.com suggests that the former Mississippi State star is:

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"...a smooth athlete who would look natural as a spot starter in the NFL. He is a bit short but understands how to play the position. He is a controlled athlete, can trigger his feet to turn and get to a spot and has the body control to make a play on the ball or dip his hips to make a play against the run." 

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Rookie Impact

Charles Mitchell won't be an everyday starter from Day 1, though he does figure to see time during running downs, on account of his strength and tackling ability. Mitchell might also find his way onto the field as a tackler on special teams, wherein he can put his body control and ability to get to a spot to good use.

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