Adonai

Mitchell

Mitchell once again led the Jets in air yards and targets in the check down-centric offense led by QB Brady Cook, who was sacked eight times against the Saints and rarely had time to let downfield routes to develop for Mitchell. With 33 targets over the past four weeks, Mitchell has some appeal as a WR4 option. If Tyrod Taylor were to get the starting nod in Week 17 against the Patriots, Mitchell would have much more upside than he’s had with the popgun-armed Cook.

Mitchell’s second touchdown in three weeks was a nine-yard strike from Brady Cook in the second quarter. It was an end zone laser where Mitchell displayed sure hands. All three of Mitchell’s catches, targets and yards were his second most as a Jet since arriving from Indianapolis. Good stuff, but this is probably about his ceiling right now with Gang Green down to its No. 3 quarterback. We have no idea who will be under center for Week 16 in New Orleans, but Cook is probably the favorite. Mitchell will be a passable WR4 no matter who gets the call.

That makes two missed practices for Taylor. Brutal. The rookie tight end led the team in targets (eight) just last week and leads the team across the full season with 64. Theoretically, his potential absence would put more work on WR Adonai Mitchell’s plate, though Mitchell flopped by catching just 1-of-6 targets for 24 yards last week and he could be stuck catching passes from QB Brady Cook in Week 15 against the Jaguars.

His sole reception came in garbage time from Brady Cook, making what many though was a smash spot into a bust game. Losing Tyrod Taylor early was devastating, but Mitchell also dropped a pass in the red zone in this game. The 23-year-old played 53-of-58 snaps and certainly has room for heavy opportunity with Garrett Wilson out. Mitchell is in the WR5 ranks for Week 15 against the Jaguars.

Well alrighty then. So far only known in New York for his drops transferring from Indy, Mitchell displayed sure hands as he erupted for the first 100-yard receiving day of his short career. The highlight was a 52-yard touchdown where he simply ran by CB Mike Hughes, only to have to come back to the ball and make an excellent catch near the goal line. It was proof of concept that if the Jets kept giving Mitchell opportunities, he would eventually reward them with big plays. You don’t need us to tell you Mitchell will remain inconsistent down the stretch, but the fact he has finally established spiked week potential makes him much more lively as a WR4. The Dolphins are another plus matchup for Week 14.

On the bright side, Mitchell didn’t do anything that will have us talking about him for a week. His longest play of the day, a 26-yard gain, came on an impressive catch-and-run that saw him evade one defender and cut up field for more yards. Were it not for Kyle Hamilton’s hand tripping him up, we may instead have been talking about a 50-yard score. The volume has been solid for Mitchell in back-to-back weeks, but he’s managed just three catches on 13 targets. The Jets are clearly giving him chances to get involved, but fantasy managers should keep expectations low until things start clicking. At best, he profiles as a WR4/WR5 in Week 13 against the Falcons.

Mitchell made his debut with the Jets on Thursday night after being acquired from the Colts in the deal that sent Sauce Gardner to Indy. The second-year speedster did step in to lead the Jets with six targets, but it was an otherwise forgettable day for Mitchell, who was responsible for a whopping three drops in the loss, per PFF. Mitchell let a deep pass slip through his hands in the second quarter and later let another ball slip by him in the third. Fantasy managers in need of a deep stash can add Mitchell off waivers next week, but he shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a WR4/WR5 in Week 12 against the Ravens.

It’s an intriguing situation. The crafty route runner and problematically error-prone player has a chance to carve out a starting role on his new team. Jets No. 1 WR Garrett Wilson (knee) was placed on injured reserve earlier today. For those needing a wide receiver stash candidate, Mitchell fits the bill, though expectations must be tempered. The Jets declared CB Azareye’h Thomas, RB Khalil Herbert, LB Ja’Markis Weston, EDGE Braiden McGregor and TE Jelani Woods inactive for Week 11 against the Patriots.

A deep reserve for the Colts, Mitchell was always a long shot to be ready for his Jets debut on the short week following his trade acquisition. He will likely be up for Week 11. Although Mitchell has a clear path to eventual No. 2 status in New York, he is merely a 14-team league flier at the moment.

Glenn was also non-committal on John Metchie suiting up. Metchie was acquired from the Eagles back on October 29th and was called a “master” route runner from the slot by Glenn. The Jets are in desperate need of help at receiver behind Garrett Wilson, and may get that much-needed help from both Mitchell and Glenn at some point in the season. Even if they do suit up this week, fantasy managers shouldn’t count on either receiver offering much upside. The Jets remain one of the most run-heavy teams in the league and also boast one of the worst passing attacks.