JM #85

James Mitchell

Tight End · Virginia Tech

A fifth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, James Mitchell has settled in as a depth tight end valued for his blocking after four seasons in the league.

James Mitchell built his college reputation as a versatile, physical tight end at Virginia Tech, and he's carried that blocking-first identity into the NFL as a depth piece. He's spent his career working in a complementary role behind more prominent pass-catchers at the position.

★ Fifth-round pick, No. 177 overall, 2022 NFL Draft

★ Valued run-blocking depth tight end through four NFL seasons

Path to the league

Mitchell played college football at Virginia Tech, where he built a reputation as a well-rounded tight end who could both block effectively and catch passes out of multiple alignments. The Detroit Lions selected him in the fifth round, 177th overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Mitchell has worked primarily as a depth tight end and blocker through his four NFL seasons, moving from Detroit to Carolina as he looked for consistent playing time. His game has centered on physicality in the run game rather than a heavy target share in the passing attack.

2025 season recap

Mitchell served as Carolina's No. 4 tight end in 2025, appearing in five regular-season games and catching all three of his targets for 28 yards, a modest but efficient showing in a limited role.