Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell says he feels better now than during his rookie season, showing confidence ahead of 2025.

By all accounts, Keaton Mitchell’s rookie year was electric. Undrafted out of East Carolina in 2023, the 5-foot-8 speedster quickly became one of the most exciting and efficient playmakers in the Ravens’ offense. But just as quickly as he burst onto the NFL scene, a devastating ACL tear in Week 15 brought his campaign to an abrupt end. Now, after months of intense rehab and reflection, Mitchell is not only back—he says he feels even better than he did as a rookie.

That’s a bold statement. But for those around the Ravens’ organization, it’s not just talk. Mitchell’s confidence has become contagious, sparking renewed excitement about what he can bring to an already-loaded Baltimore backfield heading into the 2025 season.

A Rookie Season Cut Short, But Not Forgotten

In 2023, Keaton Mitchell took the league by storm. Though he started the season buried on the depth chart behind Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, his performance in the second half of the year was impossible to ignore. He averaged a staggering 8.4 yards per carry—tops in the league for players with over 40 carries—and totaled 396 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 47 carries.

He also flashed in the passing game, adding 9 receptions for 93 yards and showcasing the type of big-play threat the Ravens’ offense had long been missing. His 39-yard touchdown run against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9 was a turning point, both for Mitchell’s career and Baltimore’s offense, which was starting to lean more on his speed and versatility.

Unfortunately, the momentum didn’t last. In a Week 15 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mitchell tore his ACL on a routine cut—one of the cruelest injuries a running back can suffer. His rookie season was over, and just like that, his upward trajectory slammed into a wall.

Rehab, Resilience, and a Relentless Work Ethic

While injuries can derail careers, especially for smaller running backs whose game is predicated on explosiveness, Mitchell embraced the rehab process with the same drive that got him to the NFL in the first place. According to Ravens team doctors and trainers, he attacked every stage of his recovery with focus and intensity.

“I told myself from Day One, I wasn’t going to let this define me,” Mitchell said in a recent interview at Ravens OTA workouts. “I’ve been through tough things before—being undrafted, being told I was too small. This was just another challenge. And honestly, I feel stronger now. Mentally, physically—I’m better than I was last year.”

The coaching staff agrees. Head coach John Harbaugh recently praised Mitchell’s recovery and work ethic, noting that the 23-year-old was “ahead of schedule” and looked “as explosive as ever” in spring workouts.

“It’s amazing how quickly he’s bounced back,” Harbaugh said. “You wouldn’t know he had a major knee injury if you watched him run. The burst is there, the cuts are there—it’s exciting.”

Competition in the Backfield

While Mitchell is drawing praise, his path to playing time won’t be easy. The Ravens made a major offseason splash by signing four-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry to a two-year deal. The move gives Baltimore one of the most feared short-yardage and power runners in the game—essentially the stylistic opposite of Mitchell.

But rather than view Henry’s presence as a threat, Mitchell sees it as an opportunity.

“Derrick is a beast, man. I watched him growing up,” Mitchell said. “To be in the same room with him is a blessing. I’m trying to learn as much as I can from him—how he prepares, how he studies, how he keeps his body right. At the same time, I know what I bring to the table.”

And what he brings—elite speed, outside burst, and pass-catching versatility—complements Henry’s downhill bruising perfectly. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is expected to make heavy use of multiple back sets, with Mitchell lining up both in the backfield and in motion to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.

Justice Hill and rookie fifth-round pick Ray Davis (out of Kentucky) round out what is arguably the deepest and most versatile backfield in the AFC.

A More Confident Player

Beyond the physical rehab, one of the most significant changes in Mitchell heading into 2025 is his mindset. He says the injury, rather than shaking his confidence, has sharpened it.

“I had time to watch. To slow down and really study the game,” he explained. “When you’re hurt, you feel disconnected at first, but I used it as time to understand more about defenses, timing, leverage—all the things that make a difference at this level.”

That cerebral approach has already been noticed by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has built a strong on-field rapport with Mitchell.

“Keaton’s one of the smartest guys in the huddle,” Jackson said. “He’s always asking questions, always locked in. And now that he’s healthy? He’s going to help us win a lot of games.”

Mitchell credits Jackson and other veterans for keeping his spirits up during the hardest parts of rehab.

“Lamar always told me, ‘Just wait till you get back. You’re gonna be better.’ That meant a lot,” Mitchell said. “It’s one thing to hear it from coaches, but when your MVP quarterback believes in you—that’s big.”

The Speed Is Still There—And Maybe More

One of the biggest concerns after a torn ACL is whether a player will regain their explosiveness. For Mitchell, that fear has been erased.

According to team trainers, Mitchell has clocked top-end speeds in offseason training that match—and even slightly exceed—his pre-injury metrics. His 40-yard dash time, which was 4.37 seconds at his ECU Pro Day, has remained intact, and his lateral movement has shown no signs of decline.

“He’s moving just like he did before the injury,” said Ravens head trainer Ron Medlin. “Honestly, if you didn’t know about the ACL, you wouldn’t guess it.”

And Mitchell himself? He puts it simply: “I feel faster. I feel lighter. I feel free.”

Big Expectations for 2025

If Mitchell’s self-assessment proves accurate, the Ravens could be fielding one of the most dangerous offensive units in the league. Between Jackson, Henry, Mitchell, and a revamped receiving corps that includes Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, Baltimore’s offense is set to stretch defenses both vertically and horizontally.

Mitchell’s role won’t just be as a change-of-pace back. Expect to see him involved in screens, misdirection plays, and possibly even special teams, where his speed can break games open.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently listed Mitchell as one of his “Top 10 Breakout Players” for 2025, citing his “lightning-in-a-bottle” potential and elite efficiency.

“If he gets 10 touches a game, he’s going to make two or three highlight plays a week,” Jeremiah said.

Mitchell knows nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. His career began as a longshot and was nearly derailed by injury. But rather than be defined by setbacks, he’s chosen to define himself through perseverance, preparation, and belief.

“I’ve been doubted my whole life,” Mitchell said. “But here I am, still standing, still smiling, still running. And I’m not done yet.”

As the 2025 season kicks off, one thing is clear: Keaton Mitchell is back—and better than ever.