Keaton Mitchell is a breakout candidate in McDaniel's Chargers offense.

Keaton Mitchell (RB, LAC) has ADP of 146 (RB47) and is a breakout candidate at running back. JJ Zachariason has repeatedly highlighted Mitchell as a breakout candidate starting in January, as a player to believe in by March, and as a late-round sleeper to target in June. Mitchell is similarly built and has similar dynamism to Mike McDaniel's former Dolphins starting running back De'Von Achane. McDaniel, now Chargers offensive coordinator, wanted Mitchell for his offense, even printing "Wanted" posters for Mitchell and fullback Alec Ingold. Mitchell isn't a threat to overtake Omarion Hampton on the depth chart but can shine in a complementary role. McDaniel's offenses have been fantasy-friendly for multiple running backs; the 2023 Dolphins are a glaringly obvious example, with both Raheem Mostert and Achane smashing. If McDaniel finds 8-10 touches for Mitchell instead of the 5.2 touches per game he had in 2025 in Baltimore, Mitchell can have standalone value as a FLEX option, bye week fill-in, or RB2 with contingent upside if Hampton were injured.