Ballhawking safety with C-USA standout production
Naeten Mitchell emerged in the 2025 season as a high-impact, playmaking safety for New Mexico State, finishing with 93 tackles, 3 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, 6 pass breakups and a pick-six while earning second-team All-Conference USA honors. He stands out for his closing speed, instinctive ball skills and willingness to tackle in space, giving him the feel of a defense-swinging safety rather than just a steady one. Evaluators also note he can be coachable and still has room to sharpen his angles and consistency, but his intensity and turnover creation make him a strong fit for teams wanting an aggressive, disruptive defensive back.
