James Mitchell

Mitchell's chances of making a second-year jump took a massive hit when Detroit spent a high second-round pick on rookie Sam LaPorta, who has been seeing the majority of snaps with the first-team offense during training camp. Meanwhile, incumbent starter Brock Wright is back as an effective blocker while the versatile Mitchell - who was used on the line, out wide, and in the backfield during his time at Virginia Tech - seems set to serve as a versatile No. 3 option.

Some say Mitchell was a steal as a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. After emerging as a big-play threat as a sophomore at Virginia Tech and averaging over 17 yards per catch in 2019 and 2020, the 6-4 tight end missed most of the 2021 season due to a torn ACL. However, he should be healthy well before the start of training camp, and he'll have a great opportunity in Detroit. Slotting on the depth chart under T.J. Hockenson is uncertain, but neither Garrett Griffin nor Brock Wright seem to possess the athleticism or receiving chops that Mitchell does. Hockenson's blocking struggles likely mean that Mitchell will have to impress as an in-line tight end if he is to see consistent offensive snaps during his rookie year.