In a special for FOX Sports, analyst Bucky Brooks ranked his top five NFL rookies through Week 10, and San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell received some love. The Louisiana product landed at No. 5 on Brooks' power ranking.
"Elijah Mitchell was a sixth-round pick, and who thought he would be able to make an immediate impact?" Brooks said. "Well, the San Francisco 49ers did because this is what they do at the running back position. They typically take late-round picks, and they transform them and make them stars.
"Elijah Mitchell might be the next one to get it done in Kyle Shanahan's offense. He already has over 500 yards, he has three touchdowns, and if you've got a chance to check them out against the Rams, Elijah Mitchell was making it happen."
Mitchell carried the football 27 times for 91 rushing yards in the 31-10 rout of the Rams. That put the rookie at 560 rushing yards and three touchdowns through seven game appearances this season.
"Outstanding vision, one-cut runner," Brooks continued. "Runs behind his pads, so he has great physicality and finishing skills. As the 49ers kind of lean into their running game as their identity, Elijah Mitchell could be a star out west in the Bay Area."
Mitchell is dealing with a finger fracture this week and did not practice on Wednesday. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan is optimistic that the rookie running back could still play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Below is Brooks' entire top-5 rookie power ranking through Week 10.
- Mac Jones, QB, Patriots
- Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
- Micah Parsons, LB, Cowboys
- Najee Harris, RB, Steelers
- Elijah Mitchell, RB, 49ers