When Michael Mitchell's name popped up on his brother's television screen, he was as surprised as anyone.
Mitchell was watching the draft at his brother's house when the Oakland Raiders drafted him with the 47th pick in the NFL Draft. The Raiders called his house, but he wasn't there.
I called my agent and was like
'What happened?' Mitchell said.
Mitchell had good reason to be surprised.
He was an unknown safety and wasn't on the radar of many draft experts. When Mitchell was drafted, ESPN's Chris Berman said it was like in the old days because ESPN didn't even have any highlights.
Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. didn't even have Mitchell in his draft guide, and said he thought the Raiders could have waited until at least the fifth round to draft Mitchell.
But following the second round yesterday, Raider coach Tom Cable said he knew it would be a challenge to get him because at least 15 other teams had been in contact with Mitchell before the draft.
(He is) probably the most ferocious hitter in the draft Cable said.
Mitchell became the highest Bobcat drafted since Gene Ruskowski was drafted 44th overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 1948.
It is the first time Ohio players have been drafted in back-to-back years since 1972-73 (Al Benton and David Green-1972, Dave Juenger-1973). Landon Cohen was drafted in the seventh round by the Detroit Lions last year.
Mitchell wasn't invited to the NFL Combine, and becomes the highest non-combine invitee to be drafted this decade.
He said he takes pride in the physical nature of his game, and is excited to play for the Raiders.
Mitchell said he watched films of past NFL greats like Oakland Raiders safety Jack Tatum and defensive back Ronnie Lott, who were known for hard hits.
I love to hit Mitchell said. I never shy away from contact.
He said all the joking done by the media regarding where he was when drafted will only motivate him when he reports to Raiders mini-camp on May 6.
I'm going to work that much harder
Mitchell said. I'll probably print out a picture or a quote and put it on my locker just to add some extra motivation.
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Joe Ragazzo
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Michael Mitchell
