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Photo of Mitch King
Grade
?
  • 6'2" Height
  • 280LBS. Weight

Overview

A first-team All-Big Ten pick in each of the past two seasons at defensive tackle, King's pro future could be at defensive end or linebacker -- the position he played in high school. The epitome of consistency and durability, King was a four-year starter and averaged 57 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks per season. A classic overachiever, King's relative lack of size belies his strength and refined technique at the point of attack. King will be considered a "tweener" by many due to his size, but his instincts, technique and passion for the game make him more than the sum of his parts.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Short, squatty defender with a low center of gravity, making it tough to move him off the line of scrimmage. ... Good strength, especially in his lower body, to anchor. ... Good initial quickness off the snap. ... Good hand placement and quickness. ... Forceful hands to disengage from the blocker. ... Good short-area vertical and lateral quickness to slip blocks and make plays in the hole. ... Instinctive defender who sees the action and puts himself in position to make plays. ... High-effort, high-intensity player who makes those around him better. ... Four-year starter. Negatives: Bit of a "tweener." ... Lacks the height, flexibility and speed off the edge teams prefer outside at defensive end and the bulk inside for defensive tackle. ... Needs to be protected by a bigger defensive tackle next to him to handle playing inside in the NFL.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
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