There is an embarrassment of riches in talent from the South Florida region, and the Florida Atlantic 2022 NFL Draft scouting reports indicate that. A member of the preseason Freaks List, former FAU CB Zyon Gilbert vaults to the top of that embarrassment of riches. All the same, both larger-than-life pass-catching options in John Mitchell and Zaire Mitchell-Paden are intriguing prospects themselves.
With a few players likely to hear their names called in April, FAU can sport well over 10 active NFL players in 2022 and beyond. As we continue our Conference USA scouting report series, here are the top players to watch from FAU.
Florida Atlantic 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Gilbert certainly is the talk of this group. Landing at No. 35 on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List this past offseason, Gilbert returned for his fifth season at FAU in 2021.
He reportedly has run a 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds and is likely to boast incredible numbers throughout his pro day workout. Included in those are a reported 42-inch vertical jump and another ridiculously athletic feat — a 136-inch broad jump.
Had Gilbert posted those numbers at the 2020 Scouting Combine (the last time the event took place), he would have among the top performers at his position. Gilbert also topped the charts at 23.8 miles per hour on FAU’s player tracking software.
Aside from Gilbert, Mitchell and Mitchell-Paden are intriguing prospects who are likely to change positions. Mitchell is a big-framed wide receiver who could shift inside to tight end. On the other hand, Mitchell-Paden is a tight end who could kick even further inside as a swing tackle at the next level.
Zyon Gilbert, CB
Positives: Long, physical corner who is best facing the action. Keeps plays in front of him, does a terrific job recognizing routes, and displays a solid burst to the ball out of his plant. Battles receivers throughout the route, plays faster than his 40 time, and works well with teammates in the secondary. Quickly makes his way up the field and gives effort defending the run.
Negatives: Rarely gets his head back around to locate the pass in the air. Hesitant reacting to receivers’ moves off the line and slow in transition. Not a sturdy corner.
Analysis: Gilbert was a feisty corner with a knack for defending passes, yet he has limitations. He possesses the style to be used in a zone system but must round off his game and add bulk to his thin frame.
John Mitchell, WR
Positives: Tall, sturdy wideout who works his hands to separate from defenders, gets vertical, and looks passes into his hands. Has the size and strength to win out for contested throws. Possesses strong, consistent hands. Has long arms and plays intelligent football.
Negatives: Sat out the 2020 campaign and was marginally productive last year. Lacks a burst and struggles separating through routes.
Analysis: I had high expectations for Mitchell after a terrific season in 2019, yet he never took his game to the next level. He’s a big-bodied possession wideout with a good feel for the game, but he will struggle separating in the NFL.
Zaire Mitchell-Paden, TE
Positives: Lineman-sized tight end with solid pass-catching hands. Moves well around the field and gives effort blocking. Gets out to the second level, takes defenders from the action, and opens up running lanes. Keeps his head on a swivel, can be a devastating blocker, and plays big-boy football. Tracks the pass in the air, competes to come away with difficult receptions, and gets vertical to grab the ball from the air. Nicely adjusts to errant throws, extends his hands, and makes the reception away from his frame. Possesses solid hand-eye coordination and takes a pounding yet holds onto the throw.
Negatives: Possesses average quickness and a limited burst in his game. Doesn’t split the seam. Average pass-catching production the single season he played on the FBS level.
Analysis: Mitchell-Paden was highly rated coming into his senior season in 2020 before deciding to return to the college field and take his game to the next level. He possesses the size and skill to be a third tight end who could play in short-yardage situations and effectively block or be thrown the ball on short and intermediate routes.