TheDeuce

I think this is a dumb pick, if there is such a thing in the 7th round. There were several other guys who I believe we should have taken with so much more value than Mitchell. Branden Siler and Jon Abbate were still available, and I would have preferred both of them over this guy, especially because Mitchell who raised flags because of his a) lack of speed, b) problems staying healthy, and c) character problems both on and off the field. This just doesn't seem like a pick that is consistent with what Payton has been preaching about hard-working, high-character players. Here's his scouting profile from Scouts, Inc.:

Strengths: Plays with a mean streak, flashes decent upper body strength and is big enough to hold ground when teams run at him. Plays with a good motor and takes adequate pursuit angles. Squares to the ball carrier, wraps up upon contact and is a powerful tackler that flashes the ability to deliver the big hit. Shows good sense of timing when asked to blitz, flashes the ability to power through blockers in the backfield and is a relentless pass rusher.

Weaknesses: Doesn't use hands well and takes too long to shed blocks. Plays too high and can get driven back. Takes too long to read keys, lacks ideal explosiveness and doesn't play downhill. Doesn't have great range and isn't a sideline-to-sideline player. Struggles to change directions quickly and isn't fast enough to run with most backs in man coverage. Lacks ideal instincts and is vulnerable to play action. Lacks ideal closing speed and can't cover much ground when asked to drop into zone coverage. Has had some off-the-field problems, has some problems controlling emotions on the field and character is a concern. Took a red-shirt year in 2004 after injuring knee during 2003 season's bowl practices, he was hindered by injuries during senior season and durability is a concern.

Overall: Mitchell was scheduled to redshirt in 2002 but played in four contests because of depth issues at linebacker as a true freshman and made eight total tackles including one for loss. In 2003, he appeared in 12 of 13 games off the bench and on special teams and recorded 20 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one interception before sustaining a knee injury during Peach Bowl practice. He then sat out the 2004 season as a medical redshirt stemming from the knee injury. Mitchell returned in 2005 as a redshirt junior and saw action in all 11 games (two starts) collecting 22 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. He was arrested on May 1, 2006 and charged with disorderly conduct and was suspended indefinitely. Mitchell returned to the team after reaching an agreement with prosecutors on May 11, and then started all 13 games during the 2006 season, registering 104 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and two forced fumbles.
Mitchell is a liability in coverage and he isn't a fundamentally sound run defender but he is a strong open field tackler who has the size and tenacity to develop into a quality reserve. He projects as a late-round pick but could go undrafted due to concerns regarding his character and durability.

I've already expressed my interest in Abbate in another thread because of his playmaking, work ethic, and strong character, but I would have been content with a guy like Siler who was graded out almost unanimously as a first-day prospect. I don't see what Payton sees in Mitchell...