The Pittsburgh Steelers have been transparent about their primary needs leading up to the upcoming NFL Draft: a wide receiver and a center. These positions stand out as glaring holes on their roster, drawing significant attention from fans as the focal points for improvement during the draft.
Horns Illustrated
Former Texas WR Adonai Mitchell gets ready to make a catch.
Among the wide receiver prospects the Steelers have hosted and shown interest in is the highly talented Adonai Mitchell, a speedy 6'4" receiver from Texas. ESPN's renowned draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. currently ranks Mitchell as the seventh-best wide receiver in this draft class, placing him as a projected first-round pick in what is considered a deep pool of talent. However, given the Steelers' likely focus on other positions early in the draft, Mitchell might slip out of their reach unless circumstances change.
Nevertheless, Bob McGinn of Golongtd.com has revealed that Mitchell's pre-draft process has raised concerns among several anonymous scouts. These concerns could potentially cause Mitchell's draft stock to decline, presenting an opportunity for the Steelers to capitalize on his talent.
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Adonai Mitchell cuts up field after making the catch during his junior season with the Texas Longhorns.
According to McGinn, one AFC scouting director has labeled Mitchell as the biggest wild card among this year's class of wide receivers, adding an element of unpredictability to his draft projection.
“He blew that 40 out, which didn’t surprise me,” one veteran scout said. “But then his position workout might have been the worst I’ve seen by a top receiver. He was falling over. He dropped balls. He had to keep redoing it. It seemed as if he didn’t know how to run routes. He just seemed out of it. Generally, I don’t get alarmed by a combine. That was alarming.”
Despite an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.35, some scouts expressed concern over his performance in position drills. During one such drill, there was a dropped ball that, according to the event commentator, seemed to be more of an issue with the throw rather than the receiver's fault. Nevertheless, this raised concerns among certain scouts.
“You’re going to have to assign somebody to be next to him for his first few years because his issues are all about his diabetes and his blood sugar,” said a second scout. “When his blood sugar’s off, he’s rude, he’s abrasive, he doesn’t pay attention in meetings.”
Mitchell has been diagnosed as a type one diabetic, and reports suggest that he doesn't consistently manage his condition as effectively as he could. A father of a type one diabetic shared his thoughts on social media, emphasizing the challenges and the importance of proper management.
This is fascinating about Adonai Mitchell. As a father of a Type 1 Diabetic, I’d like to offer my thoughts.
— Jon Helmkamp (@JonHelmkamp) April 17, 2024
We all know what it’s like to have high or low blood sugar for a moment - wait too long to eat and the term “hangry” is used often. When our blood sugar is high or low,… https://t.co/94iJ2nyuAj
He pointed to Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews as an example of someone who successfully manages the condition, highlighting the dedication and effort required.
Another scout continued on his worries with Mitchell.
“Before you even get to the diabetic part, he’s kind of going to do it his way. He’s a little bit of a wild horse. You’ve got to see if you can harness him in. Then, once you do that, he doesn’t address the diabetic stuff in a mature way. He’s very much a boom-or-bust type guy.”
Steelers’ George Pickens Had Similar Issues When He Was Drafted
The Steelers have grappled with maturity and attitude issues in their history, reportedly a contributing factor in the recent trade of Diontae Johnson. Another player who raised concerns during the draft was George Pickens, despite being widely regarded as one of the most talented wide receivers available.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' George Pickens celebrates a touchdown catch.
While Pickens doesn't have any known medical conditions affecting his demeanor, there were apprehensions about his character. Since joining the Steelers, these concerns have surfaced, with many hopeful that he can channel his potential and maintain a positive attitude.
The possibility of drafting Mitchell may seem more viable in light of these reports, but it also introduces added risk. Pairing Pickens with another player who has character concerns could potentially lead to challenges for the team.
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