{"id":55892,"date":"2025-06-14T08:18:03","date_gmt":"2025-06-14T08:18:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=55892"},"modified":"2025-06-14T08:18:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-14T08:18:03","slug":"can-keaton-mitchell-thrive-at-kick-returner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=55892","title":{"rendered":"Can Keaton Mitchell Thrive at Kick Returner"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Can<\/p>\n

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In prior renditions of the\u00a0Baltimore Ravens\u2019 backfield, there was room for a variety of backs. It seemed like every season, the Ravens would put forth a committee of effective, but role-limited players held back by their frame, athleticism, or durability. With quarterback Lamar Jackson alongside them, their collective productivity was generally incredible.<\/p>\n

Then Derrick Henry arrived.<\/p>\n

Henry was impeccable in his first season in Baltimore, and if not for Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley rushing for 2,000 yards, he would have challenged for yet another rushing title. He added a new level of dynamism to the offense with his contact balance and downhill devastation.<\/p>\n

He also eliminated the need to use a third running back.<\/p>\n

That was bad news for Keaton Mitchell, who flashed as an ancillary member of the backfield in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury. Upon his return in 2024, he saw just 15 carries in five games. There isn\u2019t much of a role for him in the 2025 offense for Mitchell, demanding he adds something to his repertoire.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Ravens\u00a0running back is looking forward to his new role as kick returner. As noted on the team\u2019s website, he\u2019s well-equipped to thrive with the ball in his hands, regardless of how it finds him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAssuming Henry and Hill are both healthy, I don’t think there are many offensive snaps for Mitchell week-to-week,\u201d\u00a0Ryan Mink wrote.\u00a0\u201cI would estimate he would average maybe five per game, perhaps to give Henry or Hill a breather and as a change-of-pace home run hitter. He could also be used as a gadget-type player on jet sweeps\/end arounds. Mitchell is lightning in a bottle, so he could change a game even with limited snaps. If Henry or Hill were to miss any time, Mitchell would obviously be in prime position to make a much larger offensive impact.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat helps Mitchell is that I expect him to become the Ravens’ primary kick returner, which gives him a spot on the active game day roster and puts him in position to rip off big plays. It wouldn’t surprise me if Mitchell is in Pro Bowl contention as a returner this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitchell returned five kicks for 156 yards in his 2024 cameo, including a 47-yard gash. With sub-4.40-second speed and the burst to match, Mitchell is an explosive play waiting to happen.<\/p>\n

Between Henry, Jackson, and the passing-down prowess of Justice Hill,\u00a0Baltimore\u00a0is forced to relegate Mitchell. By doing so, the Ravens are signing him up for even more touches.<\/p>\n

As captured by\u00a0AJ Gersh, Mitchell is happy to take on more opportunities. He\u2019s setting a high bar for himself, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike a Devin Hester \u2013 don\u2019t kick it to that type of guy.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In prior renditions of the\u00a0Baltimore Ravens\u2019 backfield, there was room for a variety of backs. 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