Earl Mitchell

Mitchell signed on with San Francisco after being released by Miami for salary cap reasons this offseason. He immediately enters the mix for snaps in the 49ers' new 4-3 defense, and he will compete with Quinton Dial for the second starting defensive tackle position. Even if he were to win the starting job, Mitchell's skills as a run-stuffer do not translate well to IDP leagues when you consider that he has never topped 50 combined tackles or two sacks in any of his seven years as a professional.

Mitchell is expected to start at defensive tackle for the Dolphins this season. His job will be to eat up blockers and this leave open space for Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh to make plays. Mitchell is productive as long as he isn't overexposed, something the Dolphins will take care of with their defensive line rotation.

The Dolphins signed Mitchell to a four-year contract this off-season with the idea that he will be one of their anchors on the interior of their defensive line. Mitchell has never been much of a pass rusher but does have the ability to clog up running lanes and accumulate tackles.

Mitchell is expected to be Houston's starting nose tackle. He started three games there last season and now takes over with the loss of Shaun Cody.

Mitchell, a back-up defensive tackle, will help the team by providing depth up the middle.

The switch the a 3-4 base defense and the release of Amobi Okoye gives Mitchell a shot to start at nose guard. The Texans have loved his effort and motor since drafting him in 2010, and he figures to duke it out with Shaun Cody in training camp.

The Texans love Mitchell's effort and there's an opportunity to get some playing time at defensive tackle. He'll be part of the rotation.