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The Pittsburgh Steelers once had the best safety in the entire NFL when Troy Polamalu roamed their defensive backfield in his prime. There were a few years when their very own Tasmanian Devil seemed invincible as he forced turnovers and turned the tides of games on a single play.
But alas, his era is done. And the Steelers are left trying to fill shoes that seem incomprehensibly large. Mike Mitchell looks to be a part of those plans.
Mitchell was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 2009 draft. Largely overlooked leading up to draft night, he is known for his closing speed and acceleration, allowing him to catch up to running backs and lay big hits on receivers.
With that being said, those skills weren’t on display in his first year with the Steelers. Mitchell was hampered with a groin injury that he sustained in the preseason and was never quite healthy for the season. He never lived up to the four interceptions and two forced fumbles that he had in 2013 with the Carolina Panthers, as he failed to pick off any passes, though he did force two fumbles.
Part of his subpar play may also have been due to Polamalu’s age and decreased coverage abilities. Polamalu played near the line most of the year, leaving Mitchell to play center field on passing plays and putting more pressure on him when running backs got to the second level. His play may benefit from having Will Allen, a serviceable safety, or Shamarko Thomas, playing opposite from him.
Mitchell plays with a chip on his shoulder and isn’t afraid to lay big hits on receivers, even if it draws a penalty or two. The edge that he plays with will serve a young defense well.
The Steelers’ defense has a lot to prove, and so does Mitchell.
