In his latest mock draft, The Athletic's Dane Brugler has the Kansas City Chiefs taking Adonai Mitchell with the 32nd overall pick. However, should they avoid the Texas wide receiver after a concerning report?
Per Bob McGinn of GoLongTD, some scouts questioned Mitchell's maturity and health, with many noting he's been diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic.
"[Mitchell's] got Garrett Wilsonesque catch radius, athletic ability and body control, but he's almost uncoachable," one scout said. "He's a little bit of a wild horse. You've got to see if you can harness him in. Then, once you do that, he doesn't address the diabetic stuff in a mature way. He's very much a boom-or-bust type guy."
Scouts should raise questions about potential first-rounders, as it's a massive decision for a franchise. Still, these critiques seem harsh, and it's fair to wonder if some are overblown.
Type 1 diabetes is a serious medical condition, but other NFL players have found ways to manage it, including Baltimore Ravens three-time Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews.
Mitchell was one reason Texas made its first College Football Playoff appearance last season. In 14 games, he had 55 receptions for 845 yards, 11 TD catches and one drop. He also tied for the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash at the combine (4.34 seconds).
Quinn Ewers goes for the long ball to Adonai Mitchell for the Longhorns TOUCHDOWN
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 10, 2023
Texas up 34-24 against Alabama with less than 9 minutes left in the 4th quarter.pic.twitter.com/KeluRe67GO
Brugler rates him as the sixth-best WR in the draft class, pointing out, "He can reach throws most receivers cannot," thanks to his athleticism and frame (6-foot-2, 205 pounds).
The Chiefs need better pass-catchers after leading the league in drops (44) last season. Mitchell could be a worthwhile selection, and KC shouldn't let the report determine their decision.
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