1. Introduction
Mitchell Tinsley may not be a household name—yet—but his unconventional path through junior college, major collegiate programs, and into the NFL showcases both perseverance and playmaking flair. From his early days at Hutchinson CC to rising preseason fireworks with the Cincinnati Bengals, Tinsley’s story is one of grit, reliability, and breakout potential.
2. Early Life & High School Beginnings
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Birth & Hometown
Mitchell Anthony Robert Tinsley was born on September 15, 1999, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. -
Lee’s Summit High School
He played just one season of high school football, yet made a mark with 19 receptions for 350 yards and six touchdowns as a senior.
3. College Journey: Hutchinson CC → Western Kentucky → Penn State
3.1 Hutchinson Community College (2018–2019)
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Tinsley’s collegiate journey began at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. Over two seasons, he amassed:
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57 catches, 656 yards, and 4 touchdowns.
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3.2 Western Kentucky (2020–2021)
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2020 (freshman-year):
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43 receptions, 377 yards, 4 TDs.
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2021 (sophomore-year):
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Breakout season with 87 receptions, 1,402 yards, and 14 touchdowns across 14 games. Earned Second-team All–C-USA honors.
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3.3 Penn State (2022)
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Transferred in 2022 to Penn State, starting 13 games and tallying:
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51 receptions, 577 yards, 5 touchdowns.
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3.4 Overall College Stats
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Division I totals:
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181 catches, 2,356 yards, 23 touchdowns over 39 games and 33 starts.
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Combined JUCO + FBS:
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Across all college levels, 181 receptions, ~2,356 yards, and 23 TDs. Mitchell Tinsley stats.
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4. Draft Profile & Pre-Draft Evaluation
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Undrafted in 2023, Tinsley signed with the Washington Commanders as a college free agent on May 1, 2023.
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Scouting Insights:
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Strengths: Strong frame, big hands, focus in contested catches, reliable middle-of-the-field play, and blocking willingness.
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Weaknesses: Limited quickness, upright stride, lacking burst and variability in route tempo.
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Combine / Pro Day Measurables (via DraftScout & NFL Draft Buzz data):
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Height/Weight: ~6’0–6’1, 199–205 lbs.
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40-yard dash: ~4.57–4.60 sec.
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Other drills: Bench reps: 14; Vertical: 35.5″; Broad jump: ~10′; Shuttle: ~4.21 sec; 3-cone: 6.70 sec.
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Overall draft projection: UDFA; ranked around #281 overall WR ranking and #41 at the position.
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5. NFL Career: Washington Commanders & Cincinnati Bengals
5.1 Washington Commanders (2023–2024)
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Signed post-draft in 2023, appeared in 2 games, tallying just three offensive snaps and seven special teams snaps, and no stat lines.
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Waived on August 27, 2024, then signed to the practice squad the next day.
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Spent all of 2024 on the practice squad; no game-time stats. Mitchell Tinsley stats.
5.2 Cincinnati Bengals (2025–Present)
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Signed a Reserve/Future contract with the Bengals on February 4, 2025.
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Began participating in 2025 preseason. In his first preseason game, recorded 1 reception for 15 yards.
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Most recently, in the preseason game against his former team (Commanders), he had five receptions for 73 yards and 2 touchdowns, an explosive showing that captured attention.
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Bengals QB Joe Burrow praised him:
“That guy’s been making plays all camp. He’s smart, knows every position, and you can trust him.”
NFL insider noted: “One of the worst-kept secrets in the league: Joe Burrow is the quasi-GM of the Bengals—he influences roster decisions”.
6. Why Tinsley’s Journey Matters
Mitchell Tinsley’s path exemplifies determination. A one-year high school player, evolving into a dominant JUCO and FBS receiver, then navigating the UDFA route to now forcing a roster spot in Cincinnati—a testament to his skill, adaptability, and perseverance. Mitchell Tinsley stats.
7. FAQs
Q1: What colleges did Mitchell Tinsley play for?
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Hutchinson Community College (2018–2019)
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Western Kentucky University (2020–2021)
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Penn State University (2022)
Q2: What are his college career stats?
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FBS: 181 receptions, ~2,356 yards, 23 TDs over 39 games.
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Total including JUCO: consistent numbers roughly equate to 181 catches, 2,356 yards, 23 touchdowns.
Q3: Was he drafted?
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No—he went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft and signed with the Washington Commanders as a college free agent.
Q4: What are his physical measurables and combine results?
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Around 6’0–6’1, 199–205 lbs.
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40-yard dash: ~4.57–4.60 sec; bench: 14 reps; vertical: 35.5″; broad: ~10′; shuttle: ~4.21 s; 3-cone: 6.70 s.
Q5: How many NFL regular-season games has he played?
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Played 2 games in 2023, with only three offensive snaps and seven special teams snaps—no statistical production.
Q6: What happened in his 2025 preseason?
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Recorded 1 catch for 15 yards in one game.
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In another standout preseason outing vs. the Commanders: 5 receptions, 73 yards, 2 touchdowns, earning praise from Joe Burrow about his camp performance.
Q7: What’s next for MITCHELL TINSLEY?
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Currently vying for a roster spot with the Cincinnati Bengals after signing a Reserve/Future contract in February 2025.
