The Philadelphia Eagles chose Quinyon Mitchell, a former University of Toledo cornerback, with the 22nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. They added a playmaker with disruptive speed to new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s secondary.
At 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, Mitchell ended the 2023 season with 41 total tackles, one interception, and 18 pass breakups.
An NFL Scouting Director told Heavy, “I like just about everything he put on film. He can fit any system, and he’ll be a great fit in Fangio’s.”
During his time at Toledo, Mitchell’s speed and instincts allowed the Rockets to put him on an island, which could make him an asset in Fangio’s defense given the significant pressure and responsibility the venerable defensive coordinator places on his secondary for the broader defense’s success.
Following his successful collegiate career, Mitchell showcased his skills at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, running the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds, with a 38-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot-2-inch broad jump.
An AFC Personnel Executive tells Heavy, “He’s legitimately fast and quick, with excellent performance in zone [coverage], press, and running vertically. He could improve his ball skills, but he has good hand-eye coordination at the catch point. He’s a versatile fit for any scheme.”
Quinyon Mitchell Scouting Report
A dynamic playmaker in the secondary, Mitchell was seldom targeted and rarely beaten in coverage.
Pro Football Focus’ Josh Liskiewitz notes that Mitchell allowed only 56 receptions on 140 targets over the past two seasons, causing 36 incompletions and intercepting eight passes during that time.
“Mitchell is a strong coverage defender who excels in off coverage,” The Bleacher Report Scouting Department writes. “Although he sometimes has a stiff backpedal, he patiently allows routes to develop and reacts with quick feet to transition. He doesn’t always trust his eyes when breaking, which has led to slow and sloppy transitions. However, when he keeps square and drives on what he sees, Mitchell has explosive breaks.
“Mitchell utilizes very good angles for coverage, along with the necessary ball skills to disrupt catches. He can be slow to open and run at times, but he has the top-end speed to keep up with most receivers he faced. When he gets his head around and plays the ball, Mitchell demonstrates great awareness and ball skills, although he lacks the hands to capitalize on all of his opportunities.”
Pro Football Focus indicates that Mitchell’s 17 forced incompletions were the third-most in the nation last season, as he limited opposing quarterbacks to a modest 51.8 passer rating when they threw in his direction during the 2023 campaign.
How Quinyon Mitchell Fits Eagles’ CB Depth Chart
The Eagles can afford to not immediately thrust Mitchell into action, but the first-round rookie could play a crucial role for Philadelphia in the upcoming season.
It's highly likely that Mitchell will become a starting cornerback for the Eagles in the future, even if he doesn’t open the season at the top of the depth chart this fall.
Should experienced James Bradberry struggle like he did at the end of a disappointing season in 2023, Mitchell is ready to step in and possibly change the outcome.
Additionally, Mitchell could make an immediate impact in the return game, thanks to his speed and ability to evade tackles in open space.
