Mike

Mitchell

The No. 47 overall pick of the 2009 draft, Mitchell ended his lengthy playing career with the Colts in 2018. That was Frank Reich’s first year in charge. Still only 34 years old, Mitchell is an upside addition to Reich’s staff.

Mitchell joins an underwhelming safety group that includes Haruki Nakamura and D.J. Campbell, but is still unlikely to push for a starting job. Primarily a run stopper, Mitchell should also contribute on special teams.

Branch was known as a bigger hitter in college, but he missed much of his rookie season with a shoulder injury. While second-rounder Mike Mitchell will push Branch, he’s behind the curve after missing minicamp action with a hamstring injury.

There are no details on the procedure, though coach Dennis Allen indicated the injury could keep Mitchell out “for a little while now.” With Tyvon Branch and Michael Huff entrenched as the starting safeties, Mitchell is headed for a backup/special teams role in the final year of his rookie contract.

Mitchell wasn’t invited to the Combine, but the 6'1/222-pounder ran a 4.4-flat at Pro Day so Al Davis had to have him. He was a projected late-round pick. Mitchell will push Michael Huff, Tyvon Branch, and Hiram Eugene for snaps.

Mitchell, who figures to start over Tyvon Branch, will play Gibril Wilson’s old strong safety role close to the line of scrimmage. Wilson led the league in tackles by a defensive back last season. That position gets a ton of action.

“When you see some highlights of this guy, you...see a guy that has that Ronnie Lott, that Jack Tatum mentality,” Cable said. “He literally knocks people out. I wanted this guy so bad.” The pick was seen as a reach, but Mitchell could also be a huge IDP sleeper if he beats out Tyvon Branch.

Mitchell, the No. 49 overall pick in April’s draft, has made just eight tackles on defense all season. He’s focused on special teams while playing behind starting SS Tyvon Branch. Mitchell isn’t even the Raiders’ No. 3 safety.

In this scenario, speedy SS Tyvon Branch would kick to free safety, leaving Mitchell in the “in-the-box” enforcer role. This could be an option if the Raiders lose Michael Huff in free agency. Hiram Eugene would be the No. 3 safety. Mitchell showed promise in 2010, more than doubling his playing time and covering tight ends well. He could be a monster IDP with a starting job.