Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is already buzzing about the new weapon in his offensive arsenal. Following the signing of running back Keaton Mitchell, Harbaugh highlighted the game-breaking speed that makes the former Baltimore Raven a perfect fit for the Chargers' evolving attack.

"He’s one of the fastest ball carriers in the game," Harbaugh stated, specifically pointing to Mitchell's 4.39-second 40-yard dash speed. The coach described him as a "specialized, change-of-pace weapon" whose explosiveness can redefine an offense. "When you can inject that kind of speed into the heart of a defense, it changes everything for the quarterback," Harbaugh explained.

The stats back up the hype. Over three seasons, Mitchell averaged a stellar 6.3 yards per carry and showcased his big-play ability with 11 runs of 10-plus yards in 2025 alone. Harbaugh believes this threat will be a boon for star quarterback Justin Herbert, forcing defenses to respect the run and opening up the passing game.

Mitchell's arrival also sets up a potent "Thunder and Lightning" backfield duo alongside the powerful Omarion Hampton. This combination of styles is a cornerstone of the team's offensive identity under coordinator Mike McDaniel, positioning Mitchell as a key piece in the Chargers' quest for a more dynamic and unpredictable attack in the 2026 season.