The Ravens' run game has been a tumultuous proposition in recent history. Baltimore always seems to find itself dealing with injuries to its running backs, which has resulted in quarterback Lamar Jackson leading the way in rushing yards every season from 2019 to 2022.
The 2023 season has been no different. J.K. Dobbins was expected to be the starter of the backfield, but he tore his Achilles in the season opener. Since then, Gus Edwards has seen a majority of the carries out of the backfield, but a new speedster has emerged as a potential star on the Ravens' offense.
Rookie Keaton Mitchell has made highlights the last two weeks. The undrafted running back quite literally burst onto the scene in Week 9 when he carved up the Seahawks defense in the Ravens' blowout win. He was a factor again last week during Baltimore's close loss to Cleveland.
Screw it, here’s 2 minutes of Keaton Mitchell cooking the Seahawks defense. pic.twitter.com/OSj9RjIXPQ
— Zach Bollinger (@zachbollinger18) November 5, 2023
.@_KeatonMitchell picking up where he left off❗❗❗
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 12, 2023
Tune in on FOX pic.twitter.com/8QaaVoimv3
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While it is a small sample size, Mitchell has been extremely effective when utilized. He's suited up for four games, but has seen action in three, totaling 172 rushing yards on just 12 carries for two touchdowns. He's also added three receptions for 37 yards.
It's hard not to notice the breakaway speed Mitchell has. What the 5-8 rusher may lack in size he more than makes up for with his quickness and how fast he can turn on the jets.
So just how fast is Mitchell? The Sporting News provides more information on the Ravens rookie running back:
Keaton Mitchell 40 time
Mitchel had one of the fastest times among running backs at the 2023 Draft Combine. He was not the quickest, as that honor went to Dolphins rookie RB Devon Achane, but he finished with the third-fastest 40 time among all running backs, clocking in at 4.37 seconds.
| RB (College) | 40 time (seconds) |
| Devon Achane (Texas A&M) | 4.32 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) | 4.36 |
| Keaton Mitchell (East Carolina) | 4.37 |
| Deneric Prince (Tulsa) | 4.41 |
| Chase Brown (Illinois) | 4.43 |
In terms of pure speed, Mitchell has recorded the two fastest bursts by a Ravens player this season within the last two weeks, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
On his 12th NFL touch, Keaton Mitchell (37-yard TD run) reached a top speed of 20.92 mph.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 12, 2023
Mitchell is now responsible for the two fastest speeds by @Ravens' ball carriers this season (20.99 mph on 40-yd TD run last week vs SEA).#CLEvsBAL | #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/0rSDNngYs4
Where did Keaton Mitchell go to college?
Mitchell played for three seasons as East Carolina. With the Pirates, he made two starts as a true freshman before taking over the starting role in the backfield as a redshirt freshman in 2021. He became the first ECU running back to record 1,000 yards in a season since Tay Cooper in 2013.
His best season came in 2022, as he again rushed for over 1,000 yards, securing 1,452 yards and 14 touchdowns. Mitchell was named to the first-team All-AAC for the second straight year.
| Season | Attempts | Rush Yds | Rushing Avg | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yds | Receiving TDs |
| 2020 | 88 | 443 | 5.0 | 2 | 11 | 75 | 1 |
| 2021 | 174 | 1,132 | 6.5 | 9 | 22 | 253 | 1 |
| 2022 | 201 | 1,452 | 7.2 | 14 | 27 | 252 | 1 |
Was Keaton Mitchell drafted?
Mitchell was eligible to be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, however, all 32 teams passed on the East Carolina product.
After the draft, the Ravens signed Mitchell to a three-year, $2.56 million contract.
Who is Keaton Mitchell's dad?
Mitchell comes from a football family that already had previous ties to Baltimore. His father is Anthony Mitchell, a former NFL safety who won Super Bowl 46 with the Ravens. He is best known for returning a blocked field goal attempt for a touchdown during the Ravens' playoff win over the Titans as a rookie during the 2000 postseason.
Ravens-Titans AFC Divisional Round (1/7/2001): Anthony Mitchell's 90 yard blocked FG TD return + Ray Lewis' 50 yard pick six to help send Baltimore to the AFC Championship! #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/ipNSdXyZsB
— Four Verts 🏈 (@FourVerticals_) January 7, 2022
Like his son, the elder Mitchell went undrafted before signing with the Ravens in 2000. He played in Baltimore for three seasons in a depth role for the Ravens' secondary from 2000 to 2002. He spent the 2003 season with the Jaguars before he played two years for the Bengals.
Anthony Mitchell officially retired from football in 2006.
