Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon is one of the most controversial draft prospects in recent memory, and he's still available after Thursday's first round.Mixon tallied impressive statistics in college and has plenty of upside as a running back who is a formidable pass-catcher out of the backfield, but his off-field issues overshadowed his talent leading up to the draft.He punched a woman and fractured bones in her face in 2014 and was suspended for a year from the Sooners football team. Video of the assault was released to the public in December, per Nolan Clay of The Oklahoman (warning: graphic video), and Mixon was charged with a misdemeanor and not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.The incident almost assuredly impacted his draft status, especially since his ability is so clear on the field.He notched 1,274 rushing yards, 538 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns, with one coming on a pass and another on a kick return, during the 2016 campaign. He also helped lead Oklahoma to a Big 12 title and Sugar Bowl victory.Mixon's NFL.com draft profile pointed to his "outstanding burst" and ability to "hit chunk plays between the tackles and around corners." It called him a "devastating pass catching option" who can beat defenders in the open field with his precise route running and speed.Bleacher Report's Matt Miller indicated talent was not the question with Mixon leading up to the draft:Despite his accolades, Mixon is still on the board as the 2017 draft moves into the second round. While all it will take is one team willing to shoulder the off-field concerns in exchange for his ability between the lines to change that,Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinelreported personnel representatives of six teams said they took him off their draft boards.There are some potential later-round landing spots that stand out depending on whether they have Mixon on their draft boards. The Cleveland Browns (19th in the league in rushing yards last year) and Minnesota Vikings (dead last in rushing yards last season)could use running back depth.Adrian Peterson is no longer in Minnesota, while a running back selection for the Browns would complement the multiple defensive picks (Myles Garrett and Jabrill Peppers) they made Thursday.Whichever team ultimately drafts Mixon will get his talent, as well as the off-field issues that come with it.
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