Keaton Mitchell

Few players' 2023 seasons were as anguishing to witness as Mitchell's, because the feel-good story of the undersized, undrafted speed demon who rose to improbable stardom gave way to the story of Mitchell's gruesome, season-ending knee injury. Although reported as a mere ACL tear, Mitchell's injury looked much worse than that and may ultimately be revealed to have entailed additional damage. The timing of the injury (Dec. 17) presents him with a challenge to be ready for Week 1, and even if that happens he'll just be a change-of-pace runner behind offseason addition Derrick Henry.

An undrafted free agent out of East Carolina, Mitchell signed on with the Ravens this spring and it was an interesting fit that seemed to put him in position to crack the roster with a good camp. Mitchell has some legitimate talent; he averaged 6.9 yards per carry over his final two seasons at East Carolina (375 attempts) and was a threat in the passing game as well with 49 catches on 68 targets for 505 yards. Shortly before training camp, though, Baltimore added veteran Melvin Gordon to the backfield. Whereas Mitchell once looked like he only had to beat out Justice Hill for the final running back spot on the roster, now it would likely take some tough injury luck elsewhere in the backfield for Mitchell to open the year anywhere but the practice squad. He has the type of speed (4.37) and pass-catching ability to bolster some deep dynasty value, but his chances of making an impact in 2023 are minimal.