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The Sporting News' Pro Football preview issue arrived today. In the preview section for each team, they include a sidebar section called "On The Rise" featuring an emerging player. This year's entry for the Tennessee Titans? The great DONALD MITCHELL. The write-up:


Donald Mitchell
CB, 2nd year

"Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams says the 'biggest mistake I made last year was not playing Donald Mitchell more.'

That means Mitchell will get a far longer look this season. At 5-9, Mitchell doesn't have ideal size in today's NFL, with 6-3 wideouts seemingly the norm, but he plays with a fearless edge and limits mistakes in his assignments. He also rebounds quickly from mistakes and isn't afraid to compete. Although the Titans sometimes have quirky coverage assignments, Mitchell has proved to be a fast learner.

If the NFL upholds Denard Walker's two-game suspension for violating its anti-violence policy, Mitchell might have his chance at a starter's job. Rarely does this team admit a starter has lost his position because he simply was outplayed, but if a backup comes in and plays well, he stays in the lineup."

Three cheers to The Sporting News for recognizing the the talent and potential of the GREAT DONALD MITCHELL!

Thanks for the report, PonyGirl.

Any word in there about other Mustangs in the NFL? I haven't seen the issue yet. thanks.

Any word on Bordo and how he fits into the Cowboys with all of their additions at LB?

Bordano gets very little ink from the magazine. The only mention reads: "Originally, Dat Nguyen was slated to be the starter in the middle, but the addition of (Barron) Wortham and Chris Bordano will create a competitive training camp." That's it.

Not only that, but on the roster that accompanies each team preview section, Bordano is listed as having played at Southern Miss!

Another SMU alum gets a little better pub from the writer (Mickey Spagnola.)
"Helping two first-year kickers immensely is the re-signing of deep snapper Dale Hellestrae, whose accuracy makes the transition to kicking in the NFL much easier."

One out of two isn't bad, but Bordano deserves much more credit - he didn't start in New Orleans for nothing.

Not much pub for Jacoby Rhinehart in the Arizona Cardinals' section, either.

(After talking about various Arizona DB's...) "Youngsters Coby Rhinehart and Justin Lucas are in reserve. And the coaching staff is particularly high on rokkie David Barrett, who excels in press coverage and could work his way into the nickel."

Then again, these magazines probably were printed a week after the NFL draft in April, so there may have been changes since this was written.

I think Mitchell is in for a huge breakout year. He's in the Pro Bowl in two years.