Kalel Mullings RB Michigan | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Kalel Mullings RB Michigan
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 03/19/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.62 seconds (30%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Work-Horse Back | |
| Last Updated: 03/19/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.62 seconds (30%*) | |
| Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 81.3 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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78% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Rushing: |
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85% |
| Break Tackles: |
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76% |
| Receiving/Hands: |
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50% |
| Pass Blocking: |
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50% |
| Run Blocking: |
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64% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
5th
Overall Rank:
#155
Position rank:
#15
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| College Games: 27 College Snaps: 481 | ||
ESPN RATING: 82/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 92/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Brian Robinson Jr. - Alabama |
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73% |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Kentucky |
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69% |
| Audric Estime - Notre Dame |
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61% |
Draft Profile: Bio
From Massachusetts high school star to Michigan utility knife, Kalel Mullings has traveled one of the more unique developmental routes you'll see in this draft class. The former Milton Academy standout and Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year arrived in Ann Arbor as a coveted linebacker prospect before the coaching staff recognized his bruising potential with the ball in his hands. The position switch began in earnest during the 2022 season while contributing on special teams, where he flashed with touchdown plunges against Purdue and TCU in postseason play. Mullings spent 2023 primarily as a rotational back, but blossomed into Michigan's lead runner during their 2024 campaign, hammering defenses for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns while earning All-Big Ten honors.Coming from Massachusetts high school football – hardly a recruiting hotbed – Mullings quickly proved he belonged in the Big Ten. His collegiate journey displays both football intelligence and rare physical versatility, shifting from being ranked among the nation's top linebacker recruits to shouldering Michigan's rushing attack. His physical development reached its apex during his final season when he bulldozed USC for 159 yards, including a 63-yard gallop that showcased deceptive acceleration for a 233-pound hammer. Mullings saved his best for the biggest moments, with a punishing 32-carry, 116-yard performance against rival Ohio State that embodied Michigan's hard-nosed approach.
What separates Mullings is his linebacker mentality brought to the offensive backfield – he doesn't just run through arm tackles; he seeks contact with defenders ill-equipped to match his physicality. His defensive background manifests in pass protection, where he diagnoses blitzes with unusual recognition for a converted back. The culmination of his development came during a three-game midseason stretch in 2024 when he racked up 423 yards and 6 touchdowns, cementing himself as Michigan's power-running anchor and proving he could shoulder a bell-cow workload despite limited experience at the position.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Bulldozing frame with extraordinary mass distribution makes him an absolute load to bring down in short-yardage situations where his leg drive consistently moves the pile forward.
- Possesses rare position versatility and football intelligence that allowed him to transition from highly-ranked linebacker recruit to productive Big Ten running back within two seasons.
- Runs with outstanding pad level and physical intentions, consistently dropping his shoulder and punishing would-be tacklers who approach with anything less than perfect technique.
- Demonstrates surprising foot quickness for his size, allowing him to navigate tight quarters with more finesse than typical 230+ pound backs.
- Showcases impressive understanding of pass protection concepts from both sides of the ball, identifying blitzers quickly and showing the willingness to deliver punishing blocks.
- Maintains excellent ball security technique with the rock tucked high and tight, rarely exposing the football to defensive swipes.
- Possesses decisive one-cut ability when running between the tackles, gets north-south immediately with minimal hesitation once he identifies his lane.
- Brings legitimate four-phase special teams value from his defensive days, offering roster flexibility beyond just offensive contributions.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks the explosive long speed to consistently threaten the edge, allowing defenses to narrow their focus to inside gaps without fear of being outflanked.
- Shows underdeveloped receiving skills with just 8 career catches, limiting his three-down utility and making him potentially scheme-dependent at the next level.
- Can be too reliant on power rather than anticipation, occasionally missing cutback lanes when initial path is obstructed instead of showing patience.
- Displayed limited production against top-tier competition, with notably diminished efficiency against Oregon and Texas compared to lesser opponents.
- Still developing as a pure running back with only 235 career carries, potentially facing a steeper learning curve adjusting to NFL run schemes and backfield responsibilities.
Scouting Report: Summary
Mullings brings a bruising, north-south running style to the table that will appeal to teams looking for a power back. His blend of size and surprising burst allows him to punish defenders and pick up tough yardage between the tackles. The former linebacker's football instincts shine through in his vision and ability to set up blocks, suggesting room for growth as he gains more experience in the backfield.In the passing game, Mullings is still a work in progress. While his background as a defender gives him an edge in pass protection, his route-running and receiving skills need development. His willingness to contribute on special teams will endear him to NFL coaches and could be his ticket to early playing time while he refines his offensive skill set.
Scheme fit will be crucial for Mullings' success at the next level. A team employing a downhill, power-running offense could maximize his potential early in his career. As he develops, Mullings has the tools to grow into a reliable short-yardage and goal-line back with the upside to handle a larger workload in the right system. His unique background and physical tools make him a super interesting day-2/3 prospect with serious developmental potential.
Kalel Mullings percentiles vs other Running Backs (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Kalel Mullings (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
184.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
24.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.