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2017 NFL Draft: Oklahoma Joe Mixon Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs the ball against Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) in the third quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs the ball against Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) in the third quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oklahoma’s Joe Mixon is a highly talented running back prospect whose off-field issues will result in some type of draft day fall.

Joe Mixon’s off-field issues are public and serious enough that some NFL teams will take him completely off their board. It’s a touchy situation where each franchise has to determine whether or not Mixon is a changed man and deserves a second chance.

Based on talent, Mixon is a top-flight running back prospect who would be worthy of a 1st round pick. He’s an explosive athlete who’s a threat to score every time he touches the football. It’s his quick-twitch ability and burst that makes him so dangerous.

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Mixon also features good vision and the awareness to quickly locate the open running lane. He runs with excellent balance which helps him pick up yards after contact. Mixon’s change of direction skills allow him to make quick cuts and pick his way through traffic.

His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is a major plus. He features excellent hands routinely plucking the ball away from his frame. Mixon runs clean routes showing the ability to create a lot of separation. This is someone who has the potential to impact the as a receiver as much as he does as a runner.

He could benefit from working on lower his pad level as he tends to expose too much of his frame. This impacts his ability to finish runs by moving the pile. Mixon can also play a little too patience which results in missed opportunities.

As I mentioned earlier, Mixon’s draft stock depends on how each team rates his character and who’s willing to take a risk. We’ve seen some talented players like Tyreek Hill get drafted despite an ugly history of off-field problems.

Mixon has more upside than Hill, but also has a more publicized legal problem.

Current Draft Range: 4th Round (1st Round Talent)

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