Keaton Mitchell's Breakout Potential for the Baltimore Ravens

In the Baltimore Ravens’ crowded running back room—led by veteran standout Derrick Henry—a quiet threat has been building: second-year player Keaton Mitchell. The 5’8”, 179-pound speedster, a 2023 undrafted free agent from East Carolina, showed flashes of brilliance in limited action last season, and with a full offseason of development and increased reps in 2024, he’s poised to break out as a dynamic complementary piece. Mitchell’s unique blend of elite speed, quickness, and pass-catching ability fills a specific void in the Ravens’ offense—one that could make him indispensable as the team chases an AFC North title and deep playoff run. Keaton Mitchell's Breakout Potential for the Baltimore Ravens examines the traits that set him apart, his growth from rookie to sophomore, and why this season could be the start of his rise to NFL relevance.

Keaton Mitchell's Breakout Potential for the Baltimore Ravens first becomes clear in his elite physical tools—traits that make him a matchup nightmare for defenses and a perfect complement to the Ravens’ existing playmakers. Mitchell’s greatest asset is his speed: he clocked a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, one of the fastest times among running backs in the 2023 draft class. This speed isn’t just for show—he uses it to turn short gains into long touchdowns, as seen in his 80-yard rushing score against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 of 2023, the longest run by a Raven since 2019. Beyond straight-line speed, Mitchell has exceptional agility: his 6.78-second three-cone drill (top 5 among 2023 running backs) allows him to make sharp cuts and elude defenders in tight spaces. He’s also a polished pass-catcher, hauling in 7 of his 8 targets for 86 yards last season, including a 22-yard reception that set up a game-winning field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars. “Keaton has tools you can’t teach,” said Ravens running backs coach Anthony Weaver. “Speed like that changes defenses—they have to account for him on every play, even if he’s not the ball carrier. That opens things up for everyone else.” His size, once seen as a liability, has become an asset: defenders struggle to track him in traffic, and he’s proven durable, playing in 13 games as a rookie despite his smaller frame.

A critical factor in Mitchell’s breakout potential is his growth from a raw rookie to a more polished player—thanks to a full offseason of NFL training and mentorship from veterans like Henry. As an undrafted free agent in 2023, Mitchell arrived in Baltimore with little fanfare and even less reps: he played just 83 offensive snaps (7% of the Ravens’ total) and was inactive for three games. But he used that time to learn, studying film with Henry, refining his pass-blocking technique (a weakness early in his rookie year), and adjusting his running style to fit the Ravens’ zone-blocking scheme. “Derrick took me under his wing,” Mitchell said in a 2024 training camp interview. “He showed me how to read defenses better, how to set up blocks, and how to stay consistent even when you’re not getting many carries. That mentorship changed everything for me.” The results were evident in the Ravens’ 2024 preseason: Mitchell rushed for 198 yards on 24 carries (8.25 yards per carry) and caught 5 passes for 62 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown run against the Washington Commanders. He also improved his pass blocking, allowing just one pressure in 32 pass-blocking snaps—up from four pressures in 2023. “Keaton’s growth has been remarkable,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “He went from a player we were hoping could contribute to one we’re counting on to make plays.”

A defining aspect of Keaton Mitchell's Breakout Potential for the Baltimore Ravens is how he complements Derrick Henry’s style—creating a one-two punch that could make the Ravens’ running game the most dangerous in the NFL. Henry is a physical, downhill runner who excels at breaking tackles and wearing down defenses; Mitchell, by contrast, is a speedster who thrives on outside runs, sweeps, and screen passes. This contrast forces defenses to adjust their game plan mid-game: if they stack the box to stop Henry, Mitchell can exploit the wide lanes on the perimeter; if they spread out to contain Mitchell, Henry can bulldoze through the middle. In the Ravens’ Week 2 preseason win over the Philadelphia Eagles, this dynamic was on full display: Henry rushed for 65 yards on 12 carries (5.4 yards per carry) up the middle, while Mitchell added 78 yards on 8 carries (9.75 yards per carry) on outside runs and a 20-yard screen pass. “Having both Derrick and Keaton gives us a versatility we didn’t have last season,” Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken explained. “Defenses can’t just prepare for one type of running back—they have to prepare for two, and that’s a huge advantage.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this complementarity isn’t just about production; it’s about sustainability: Mitchell’s speed allows Henry to stay fresh late in games, and vice versa, ensuring the Ravens’ running game remains effective for all four quarters.

Another reason Mitchell’s breakout potential is so high is the opportunities he’ll get in the 2024 Ravens offense—a scheme that’s been adjusted to maximize his unique skills. Monken has hinted at a more diverse offense this season, with more screen passes, jet sweeps, and tempo plays—all designed to get Mitchell in space. The Ravens have also expanded their “change-of-pace” packages, where Mitchell will replace Henry for 3–4 plays per drive to keep defenses off balance. In addition, Mitchell is expected to take on a larger role in the Ravens’ special teams, returning kickoffs and possibly punts—a role that could lead to more offensive reps if he excels. “We’re finding more ways to get Keaton the ball,” Monken said. “He’s too talented to keep on the sidelines. Whether it’s a sweep, a screen, or a kick return, we want him touching the ball 8–10 times per game.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this increased role is a low-risk, high-reward move: Mitchell’s small cap hit (less than $1 million in 2024) means the team has little to lose if he struggles, but everything to gain if he breaks out. His opportunities will only grow if Henry misses time (though Henry has been durable, playing 16 games in 2023), making Mitchell a critical depth piece as well as a potential playmaker.

Wrapping up Keaton Mitchell's Breakout Potential for the Baltimore Ravens is the buzz around him in the Ravens’ locker room—a sign that his teammates and coaches believe he’s ready to take the next step. Henry, who rarely praises other running backs publicly, has called Mitchell “the fastest player I’ve ever played with” and predicted he’ll “have a big season.” Lamar Jackson, meanwhile, has talked about how excited he is to connect with Mitchell on deep screen passes: “Keaton can turn a 5-yard pass into a 50-yard touchdown,” Jackson said. “Having him on the field makes my job easier because defenses have to worry about him too.” Even defensive players have taken notice: Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who has practiced against Mitchell every day since 2023, said, “Keaton is impossible to tackle in space. If he gets a step on you, you’re not catching him. He’s going to surprise a lot of people this season.” For the Baltimore Ravens, Mitchell’s breakout would not only boost their offense but also solidify their status as Super Bowl contenders. In a league where speed and versatility are more valuable than ever, Mitchell has the tools to become a household name—and the Ravens have the perfect system to unlock his potential. Ultimately, Keaton Mitchell's Breakout Potential for the Baltimore Ravens is a story of hard work, growth, and opportunity—a reminder that sometimes the most impactful players are the ones no one saw coming.