When it comes to football, you’ll always find plenty of bravado in training camp commentary. Coaches hype up players, tout team chemistry, and sprinkle optimism like confetti. But not Todd Monken. The Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator isn’t one for hot air. That’s why his recent comments about Keaton Mitchell have heads turning in football circles.
Monken’s refreshingly candid remarks on the undrafted rookie running back highlight not just the challenges but also the opportunities for Mitchell within a Ravens squad loaded with talent. And whether you’re a Ravens fan or just a football junkie eager for insight into how teams are shaping up for 2025, Monken’s brutal honesty provides plenty of fodder for discussion.
Running Back 2 Position Battle Behind Henry
Every NFL team has one of those position battles that gets fans buzzing and sets group chats ablaze. For the Ravens, it’s all about the No. 2 running back slot behind presumed starter Derrick Henry. Enter Justice Hill and Mitchell, two players on very different trajectories, vying for the same role in Baltimore’s potent rushing attack.
Hill, the more seasoned back, has already shown flashes of capability when given opportunities. Hill is reliable but perhaps not electrifying. That’s where Mitchell comes in. Both have receiving capabilities out of the backfield and could be key chain movers for Lamar Jackson on passing downs when Henry is not on the field.
The rookie’s explosive speed and ability to break plays open have already captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. His tape screams “home run hitter.” But potential doesn’t count for much in the NFL unless you have grit, consistency, and a head coach/ offensive coordinator willing to put you in a position to succeed.
Mitchell is a year removed from a serious knee injury that ended his 2023 season, which carried over for most of 2024. So while his roster spot should be safe, they do have another former draft pick (Rasheen Ali) to battle the former undrafted rookie free agent, as he is also coming off an injury-riddled rookie year. However, the notes from camp have suggested Mitchell is fully ready to go and has looked explosive on the field.
Preseason Should Feature Keaton Mitchell Heavily
Monken didn’t sugarcoat the challenges Mitchell faces in carving out a meaningful role on the team. His words reflected both an admiration for Mitchell’s ceiling and a clear-eyed acknowledgment of what the youngster will need to prove.
It’s not just about flash, Monken said. We all see what he can do in space. The ability to make guys miss, that’s there. But being a running back in this league is about so much more than that.
Translation? Speed and elusiveness alone won’t guarantee Mitchell playing time, especially not in an offense designed to control the clock and grind defenses down. Monken emphasized the importance of understanding pass protection schemes, ball security, and the grind of making every snap count. These aren’t glamorous aspects of the game, but for running backs, they’re non-negotiable.
The preseason will be a proving ground for Mitchell to show that he’s more than just a speedster. If he can contribute on special teams, consistently execute his assignments, and demonstrate steady improvement in pass protection, he could make it impossible for the Ravens to keep him off the field.
Monken also hinted at the role versatility plays in his evaluation of players. Given Mitchell’s skill set, don’t be surprised if you see him lining up in creative offensive packages designed to leverage speed mismatches against opposing defenses. They also featured him as a kick returner last season and could have him battle for that special teams spot as well again, along with punt returner.
