Who Should I Start? Keaton Mitchell or Jarquez Hunter

Tuesday, June 3, 2:37 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell suffered a significant ACL tear at the end of his 2023 rookie campaign and was limited to just five games in 2024, logging touches in two contests. In his first season, the East Carolina product averaged a whopping 8.4 yards per carry on 47 rushing attempts, totalling 396 yards and two touchdowns. Had he not suffered a major injury, he could have entered last season as the clear RB2 behind Derrick Henry, but he'll get that chance again entering the 2025 campaign, and the 23-year-old is back to 100%. "I feel like I'm back better than when I first got here," Mitchell said. "I tell guys a lot that talk to me that I'm starting all over. They don't even know what I can do. I'm just starting all over again, proving what I can do and taking it day by day." While Henry remains the clear workhorse in Baltimore, he is entering his age-31 season and carries additional injury risk. In deeper setups, Mitchell and Justice Hill can be considered handcuff stashes, though Rasheen Ali will also have the chance to compete for a spot on the depth chart.

Saturday, April 26, 1:07 PM

The Los Angeles Rams selected Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter with the 117th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hunter is a physical runner known for his ability to earn extra yards after first contact. He demonstrates good decision-making skills and football IQ, which, paired with his physicality, makes him an intriguing option in short-yardage situations. With that said, Hunter might not be limited to only short-yardage plays; he led the SEC with 6.4 yards per carry last season. He totaled 1,201 yards on the ground and scored nine touchdowns along the way. Los Angeles' young backfield now features Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Hunter.