Who Should I Start? Keaton Mitchell or Brashard Smith

Monday, April 6, 6:48 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell is embarking on the next chapter of his career after switching teams during free agency. After spending his first three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Mitchell signed with the Chargers. He goes from playing for John Harbaugh in Baltimore to playing for Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles. Mitchell had an underwhelming three-year stint with the Ravens, peaking as the overall RB59 as a rookie in 2023. Occupying a depth role has limited his upside, but injury issues have been a greater burden to his development. He missed 21 games over his first two seasons in the league, as well as an additional four games last year. If Mitchell, now 24, can stay healthy with the Bolts, he has the potential to carve out standalone fantasy value as an RB3/flex. The East Carolina product has flashed some of the best burst in the NFL, consistently breaking off huge runs and capitalizing on his limited playing time. A more consistent role -- now behind Omarion Hampton in L.A. -- could be exactly what he needs to finally break out. The scheme represents a great fit, too, as he'll now be playing for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who was able to maximize the potential of similar speedy running backs like Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane in Miami. Mitchell isn't a top-36 running back in dynasty or redraft formats yet, but he's an intriguing buy-low candidate because of his upside.