Kalel Mullings’ story is one of patience, perseverance, and transformation. Once a promising linebacker coming out of high school, he took an unconventional route to prominence at Michigan — ultimately becoming a top-30 NFL Draft visitor and a potential pro-level running back. What once looked like a detour has now become his defining trait, and NFL scouts are taking notice.
At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Mullings doesn’t fit the mold of the modern, pass-catching scatback. He’s built more like an old-school power back, and for good reason. His game is rooted in physicality — he runs through contact, not around it. But what sets him apart isn’t just the strength or bruising style. It’s the journey that got him here, and the work he put in to become something more than anyone expected when he first stepped foot on campus in Ann Arbor.
Mullings arrived at Michigan in 2020 as a four-star linebacker from Milton Academy in Massachusetts. Early on, he showed flashes of athletic promise on defense, but he found himself buried on the depth chart behind established stars in the Wolverines’ loaded front seven. By 2022, Michigan’s coaching staff began experimenting with Mullings in short-yardage packages on offense, and it didn’t take long for his role to expand.
By the time 2023 rolled around, he had made a full switch to running back. It was a leap of faith — not just by Michigan’s staff, but by Mullings himself. He leaned on the same tenacity and discipline that made him a top linebacker recruit to adapt to an entirely new role. He put in the hours in the film room, committed himself to mastering blocking schemes, and honed his footwork and balance to thrive with the ball in his hands.
It paid off in a big way. Mullings turned into a valuable asset in Michigan’s backfield rotation, particularly in 2024. He rushed for over 800 yards and added 10 touchdowns as a senior, proving himself as a reliable option in goal-line and short-yardage situations. Though he shared touches with more explosive backs, Mullings carved out his own identity — the one who could wear down defenses late in games and move the chains when it mattered most.
NFL teams have noticed. Mullings has officially landed a Top 30 visit, signaling real interest from front offices looking to strengthen their backfield depth. While he’s not projected to be a Day 1 or 2 pick, he’s viewed as a player who can contribute immediately in multiple areas. Teams love his physical profile, work ethic, and special teams potential. And in a league that values versatility and low-cost contributors, Mullings is a natural fit.
One franchise that has emerged as a possible landing spot is the Minnesota Vikings. The team has done its due diligence on this year’s running back class and appears intrigued by Mullings’ upside. But the most interesting subplot? He could potentially reunite with former Michigan teammate J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy, one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s class, has been connected to the Vikings in multiple mock drafts and scouting reports. The idea of pairing Mullings and McCarthy together at the next level brings a level of built-in chemistry that teams covet. They know each other’s tendencies. They’ve been in the trenches together. That matters, especially for young quarterbacks adjusting to the speed of the NFL.
For Mullings, the possibility of playing with McCarthy again would be poetic. They were both key contributors in Michigan’s championship-contending runs. They shared the same locker room culture that emphasized grit, accountability, and preparation. Now, they could be teammates once more — this time under the bright lights of the NFL.
But even if the reunion doesn’t happen, Mullings has positioned himself well. Scouts rave about his attitude during interviews, and coaches from Michigan have gone out of their way to endorse him behind the scenes. He’s seen as someone who will bring maturity and stability to any locker room. He’s also shown that he can learn on the fly, something NFL evaluators deeply value in late-round prospects.
His background as a linebacker adds to the appeal. He understands defensive schemes, which helps him pick up blitzes and recognize fronts quicker than most backs. He can contribute on kickoff and punt coverage units — a major bonus for roster depth. In a draft class deep at skill positions, that edge might be what secures him a spot on a 53-man roster.
The big question facing Mullings now isn’t whether he belongs. It’s which team will take the chance and how they’ll use him. In today’s NFL, where backfield committees are the norm and running backs are asked to wear many hats, his profile makes him a natural fit as a role player who could become more. He doesn’t need to be the next Derrick Henry. But he could be the next Latavius Murray or Chris Rodriguez Jr. — a dependable option that can earn a long career by doing the dirty work.
In many ways, Mullings embodies the modern NFL grinder. He didn’t take the flashy route. He didn’t transfer or chase the spotlight. He stayed at Michigan, trusted the coaches who believed in his potential, and carved out a role that didn’t exist when he first arrived. That kind of resilience speaks volumes.
What stands out most when watching Mullings on tape is how much he embraces contact. He doesn’t shy away from it. He initiates it. And yet, he’s not reckless. He runs with calculated aggression — lowering his pads at just the right time, keeping his legs churning through second-level tacklers, and rarely going down on first contact. He’s the kind of back you want protecting a lead in the fourth quarter.
His patience has also improved. Early in his transition, Mullings often pressed too hard, trying to make the big play rather than following his blocks. But as he settled into the role, his vision developed. He became more decisive. You can see it in the way he lets the play develop, trusts the line, and hits the hole with authority.
The pass-catching element of his game remains a work in progress, but he has reliable hands and has shown flashes in screen packages. He’ll never be a Christian McCaffrey-type weapon in space, but if used correctly, he can be a safety valve on third downs and short-yardage passing situations. And as someone who can block with linebacker instincts, he’ll earn snaps in obvious passing downs — a huge plus for teams with young quarterbacks.
For NFL coaches, the appeal of a player like Kalel Mullings goes beyond the box score. It’s about what he brings to the practice field, the meeting room, and special teams. It’s about adding someone who can be trusted when injuries hit or when the game slows down in December and January. Mullings has the build, the brain, and the background to thrive in that space.
The road ahead won’t be easy. The NFL is a brutal business, especially for running backs. But Mullings has already overcome the odds once by changing positions and sticking it out at a top-tier program. If anything, he’s prepared for the grind better than most.
And if the football gods are feeling generous, maybe he’ll get that chance to share a huddle with J.J. McCarthy again — this time on Sundays.
Until then, all Mullings can do is keep doing what he’s always done: show up, put in the work, and prove that sometimes the long road is the right one.