Mitchell Tinsley parlays Penn State season into NFL shot
Throughout his one year at Penn State, Mitchell Tinsley demonstrated his commitment to his new home. A one-year exclamation point to a prolific career at Western Kentucky, the goal was to show, on a bigger stage against better competition, his worthiness for the NFL.
Now, he’ll have that chance.
Tinsley has reportedly been picked up by Washington as an undrafted free agent. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the deal is for one year with a $15,000 signing bonus and a $120,000 base salary.
Penn State head coach James Franklin recognized early and often the value that Tinsley was delivering to the program. He finished atop the team’s receptions chart with 51 catches for 577 yards and five touchdowns. And, in the process, he helped lift the Nittany Lions to a 10-2 regular season and a Rose Bowl win.
“He’s just been great. He’s really smart, he’s really mature, very consistent. Culturally, he fit in really well with us. He’s really taken advantage of the academics,” Franklin said. “Whatever he puts his name on, whatever he says he’s going to do, he’s going to do it and he’s going to do it 100 percent. That shows on the football field and off, and he’s been a really good addition for us.”
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Mitchell Tinsley scout
From Sports Info Solutions ahead of this year’s NFL Draft:
“Tinsley has strong hands and shows that he can catch the ball in traffic consistently, but his lack of separation ability and downfield speed will limit him to a backup possession receiver role.”
Nittany Lions face need at WR
In Tinsley’s absence, Penn State is again facing a need for production and game-changing at receiver this season. KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Harrison Wallace have separated themselves from others in the room, but Franklin said he is looking for more from the group between now and the start of the 2023 season.
“I think we need some more depth and competition at wide receiver, because I do think by West Virginia, or by game four or game five, I think we could have six guys that we feel good about,” Franklin said. “But right now, we’re trying to figure out who the third is. Although, a guy stepped up today. I want there to be legitimate competition at every position.”
