Joe Mixon sits in the middle of new 2021 RB rankings at PFF
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The Cincinnati Bengals know they have an elite player with Joe Mixon.
In fact, Mixon sounds set for a massive year in 2021 because it seems like the coaching staff intends to play him even more than usual.
But not all rankings and outside observers are as confident as the Bengals on this front. While ranking the top 32 running backs in the NFL ahead of the new season, Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus slots Mixon 14th:
“An offensive line so bad that it was hazardous to Joe Burrow’s health has also been a major obstacle in the way of Joe Mixon having the kind of dominant production that his talent might deserve. Mixon has only averaged 3.9 yards per carry over the last two seasons, but 3.0 yards of that have come after contact.”
Mixon couldn’t get going last year when he was healthy for a number of reasons, horrific offensive line included. But his patient style and ability to catch passes still makes him one of the league’s most dangerous threats at the position, provided the coaching staff uses him that way.
This is a little like the Bengals overall in power rankings — Mixon isn’t going to get that elite ranking he deserves until he puts up the production consistently.
Still, it’s a little odd to see him ranked behind guys like David Montgomery and even Ezekiel Elliott at this point. But if a big rebound year happens that sort of thing will be an afterthought.
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