Kalel Mullings Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Junfu Han/USA Today via IMAGN Images)
School: Michigan
Class: Senior
Position: RB
HT: 6’1
WT: 226 lbs
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Background: Kalel Mullings was recruited as a 4-star linebacker in the 2020 class out of Boston, Massachusetts. Mullings was a top 10 outside linebacker in the class and the top player in Massachusetts. Mullings attended Milton Academy and led them to an ISL Championship as a team captain during his senior year. In 2019, Mullings was named the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year. After his high school career, Mullings was selected to play in both the All-American Game and the Polynesian Bowl. Kalel Mullings committed to Michigan over Wisconsin, Northwestern, and Duke.
College: In his true freshman season, Mullings appeared at linebacker and on special teams. In 2021, Mullings appeared at linebacker in 8 contests, recording 11 tackles. As a junior in 2022, Mullings appeared at both linebacker and running back. By 2023, Mullings was strictly playing running back for the Wolverines. He ran for 222 yards and a touchdown. Mullings took over the role as lead running back for a struggling Michigan team in 2024. He was an All-Big 10 member after running for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Strengths: Kalel Mullings possesses a large frame that he uses to run in between the tackles and get his hands dirty. Despite his size, he is able to lower his head and get low in the trenches. Mullings runs with incredible power and embraces contact, allowing defenders to slip off him as he continues marching forward. Kalel will never be brought down on initial contact and it will take more than one defender to finish the tackle. His background as a linebacker allows him to embrace for contact in a unique way without losing a step. He keeps his legs moving in murky waters to fall forward and gain a few extra yards. Mullings does not seem to lose his punch as a drive progresses and brings the same energy throughout every snap. Mullings is a great red zone option as he presents proven ball security and that wrecking ball playstyle.
Weaknesses: Mullings is a slow runner. To say he isn’t fast would be an understatement. He can get caught in open space by just about any defender. He has 4.6 speed and will not be able to march an NFL offense down the field. He is not able to bounce the ball outside and hurt defenses on the boundary. Mullings is a patient runner but lacks vision to exploit open gaps with any level of consistency. Mullings is a one dimensional runner and does not have any pass catching upside. He has not put together a receiving portfolio and will likely be on the sidelines in exchange for a more dynamic pass catcher in obvious passing downs.
Conclusion: Kalel Mullings is an obvious choice for a short yardage running back. He has the tools to be a threat in short yardage situations. He brings the boom as a ball carrier. His speed and lack of dynamic movement skills prevents him from being a workhorse runner.
Scheme Fit: Zone Rushing Offense
Ideal Role: Short Yardage RB
Best Team Fits: MIA, HOU, DAL
Player Comparison: Gus Edwards
Player Grade: Round 6 (68.7)
