Mel Kiper Projects Texas Longhorns WR Adonai Mitchell As A First-Round Pick In Latest Mock

After spending just one year in Austin, Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is expected to be taken in the opening round of the NFL Draft.

The Texas Longhorns had one of the most explosive offenses in college football this season thanks to their high-flying pass-catchers and savvy quarterback. 

Following a season that saw the Longhorns finish the year 12-2, winning the Big 12 and appearing in the College Football Playoff, they will be losing a good chunk of their stars to the NFL Draft. Among those who are leaving is wide receiver and Georgia transfer, Adonai Mitchell. 

The Missouri City, Texas native had a career year that saw him rack up 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns. He showcased his elite speed, route running, and tremendous ability to come down with 50-50 balls.

In his first mock draft, Mel Kiper has Mitchell slated to be taken in the first round with the No. 28 overall pick to the Buffalo Bills 

Texas WR Adonai Mitchell 

This has been a common projection for Mitchell, who is viewed as a late-first, early second-round type of player. Kiper revealed that he initially didn't have the Bills taking a pass-catcher in the first, but changed his mind after their playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

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"I made a late change with this pick after I watched Josh Allen average 4.8 yards per attempt in the home playoff loss to the Chiefs. His receivers struggled to get open and didn't make enough plays after the catch once they did. Stefon Diggs hasn't had a 100-yard game since mid-October, and Gabe Davis is now a free agent. General manager Brandon Beane can find a useful pass-catcher here," wrote Kiper.

He also revealed that this spot was likely going to a Longhorn regardless as if it weren't for the Bills' lackluster showing at receiver, he would have gone with fellow Longhorn T'Vondre Sweat instead. 

"The 6-foot-4 Mitchell broke out after transferring from Georgia, catching 55 passes for 845 yards and 11 scores for the Longhorns in 2023. He thrived on crossing routes, using his size and quickness to get separation from defenders. He has great hands. The position I almost went with? Nose tackle, because T'Vondre Sweat (Texas) could be a great fit in the middle of the Buffalo defense," explained Kiper.

When Mitchell and Xavier Worthy are drafted, it will mark the first pair of Longhorn receivers drafted since Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson were taken in 2020. If one of them is in fact taken in the first round, it will mark the first time since Roy Williams that Texas has produced a first-round receiver.