Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Erik Lambert
Joe Mixon is without question one of the most polarizing prospects of the 2017 NFL draft. So what does his scouting report have to say?
Position: RB
School: Oklahoma
Year: RS Sophomore
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 226 lbs
STRENGTHS:
- Good size for a running back. Looks like he has the mass and frame to handle the physical workload of a feature player at that position.
- Reliable hands as a pass catcher. Caught a number of screens and wheel routes that showcased his ability to be a factor as a receiver.
- Shows the needed patience to wait for his blockers to set up then has the quick feet to adjust, change direction and slip through the creases.
This play will be one that teams tend to focus on. It showcases so much of what Mixon does well from the excellent vision to find the open lanes through the defense to the swift footwork at changing direction. Finally? The breakaway speed to turn what should’ve been a 10-yard run into a long touchdown. These are all traits that excel at the NFL level.
- When he gets downhill his speed and acceleration have resulted in a host of big plays. Give him an opening and he’ll tear huge chunks out of a defense.
- Demonstrates solid vision. Sees where the holes will be right before he hits them and is able to feel out where the defenders are so as to avoid them.
- Not afraid to square up his body and throw his shoulder in pass protection. Shows decent technique and vision in these situations.
WEAKNESSES:
- For being a bigger back he’s not overly powerful in his lower body. Defenders generally are able to get him on the ground if they wrap him up properly.
- Not the type who can usually create for himself. Though agile and quick for his size, his escapability is somewhat limited.
Highly publicized off-the-field problems, most notably in regards to his behavior towards women. He assaulted a woman in 2014 over an alleged racial/homophobic slur incident then intimidated a parking lot attendant with his car after receiving a citation.
- Not much good in close quarters. His short yardage ability is rather average. The big body helps but he’s far from consistent at getting 1st downs or touchdowns.
- Doesn’t really play like the alpha. Though he’s a tremendous athlete he runs like just another guy. Not much of an attacking, “give me the ball” mentality shows up in his style.
Pro Comparison: Ryan Mathews
It’s easy to forge that once upon a time Ryan Mathews was a 1st round pick. When healthy the former Chargers running back was a versatile playmaker. He was drafted to replace LaDainian Tomlinson after all. In fact every time he’s played 14 games or more in a season, he’s topped 1,000 yards. A nice blend of size, quickness and agility that allowed to average 4.4 yards per carry for his career despite playing behind some suspect offensive lines.
Projection: 3rd Round
Mixon has 1st round ability. That is without question. His mix of size, speed and agility make that plain. However, he’s also got a very checkered past that includes violence against women. Everybody knows how hot button a top that is in today’s NFL. Combined with some of his notable other faults it will be enough to scare teams away until the 3rd round.