Mitchell Tinsley making strong early mark in NFL Draft process
Mitchell Tinsley transferred to Penn State with clear intentions. The fifth-year receiver from Western Kentucky wanted to display his talents on a bigger, broader stage with the Nittany Lions.
In 13 games, Tinsley collected a team-high 51 receptions, producing 577 yards and five touchdowns in the process. Capped by a six-catch, 49-yard, one-touchdown performance in the Rose Bowl, he exited as he started the season for Penn State, making an impact.
Looking forward to a career he intends to pursue in pro football, Tinsley summed up his experience as a Nittany Lion and whether or not he’d been able to maximize it.
“I definitely feel like it,” Tinsley said after his Rose Bowl performance. “My ultimate goal was to prove to the scouts, prove to myself, prove to other people that maybe thought I couldn’t, that I could play with the best week in and week out. And, given the opportunities, I could make the best of them.”
Early positive impressions
For the past two weeks, Tinsley has been working to continue that trajectory.
First participating in the NFLPA Bowl back at the Rose Bowl last week, Tinsley drew positive reviews for his practice performances through the week, described by one on-site analyst as “a bright spot.” By the week’s end, he parlayed the practices into three receptions for 36 yards in the game, a 19-17 win for his team.
Maybe more important, just a day later, he also earned a late addition to the East Team roster for the East-West Shrine Bowl. Quickly making the trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Tinsley has since again emerged as one of the top performers at practice this week according to on-site analysts.
Repeatedly earning praise for his abilities, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound receiver will compete in the game on Thursday, Feb. 2. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. and the game will air on the NFL Network.
Next steps
As Tinsley continues to prepare for the NFL Draft in late April, though, his work will not be finished with the Shrine Bowl. Tinsley has also been invited to the NFL Combine set for later this month in Indianapolis. Receivers, quarterbacks, and tight ends begin the process on Tuesday, February 28.
In the meantime, Tinsley will be training at X3 Performance and Physical Therapy in Fort Myers, Fla. He will then also participate in Penn State’s Pro Day back at Holuba Hall in March.
Concentrating on improving his game as much as possible, Tinsley said a few key areas stand out for development.
“I definitely want to get in and on my breaks better,” he said. “Me just being more efficient in that area is gonna create more separation. Which, I think I do well. But, there are some things I can always do better.”
Already well on his way, Tinsley will continue to get his opportunity to continue to do so.
