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Detroit Lions take Virginia Tech TE James Mitchell with 5th round pick in NFL draft

The ACL recovery club is moving to Michigan.

The Detroit Lions took their second offensive weapon coming off a torn ACL in three days, adding Virginia Tech tight end James Mitchell to a draft class that also includes Alabama receiver Jameson Williams.

Mitchell projected as a top-100 draft pick before tearing his ACL in a Week 2 game against Middle Tennessee State. He caught 52 passes for 838 yards and seven touchdowns in 38 career games.

The Lions were looking for a backup tight end to complement T.J. Hockenson, who has finished two of his first three seasons on injured reserve.