NY Jets OT Max Mitchell is outperforming higher-drafted rookies

Max Mitchell, New York Jets, Getty ImagesDid the New York Jets find a fourth-round steal in Max Mitchell?

When New York Jets fans found out Duane Brown would start the season injured reserve, they went into panic. The idea of fourth-round rookie Max Mitchell starting in Week 1 was not something that anybody was looking forward to.

Three weeks later, Mitchell is one of the most popular players on the team.

Mitchell has vastly exceeded expectations over these first few starts of his career. That’s not to say he’s been an All-Pro, but for a rookie who was thrust into the fire much earlier than intended, he has been impressively sturdy.

In fact, Mitchell is holding up better than many of his rookie…