The Eagles buck their own recent trends, selecting a cornerback in round one for the first time in over 20 years while not moving up to land an elite talent.
After trading out of the team’s original spot in the first round in five of the last six years, GM Howie Roseman stayed put and added Quinyon Mitchell without having to sacrifice draft assets or personnel already on the roster.
“I feel like, right now, I’m with the right fit,” said Mitchell in his first press conference as an Eagle. “I’m with the right organization, with the right players, right city, so I feel good about this draft pick right here.”
With June’s Mandatory minicamp quickly approaching, here are five things to know about the smooth cornerback.
NIL and the Transfer Portal could have netted Quinyon Mitchell millions long before he popped up on the Eagles’ radar. Mitchell stayed loyal to the University of Toledo, and when asked why at the NFL Combine, he cited how important loyalty is to him.
“Everybody went away, Toledo stayed loyal so I stayed loyal to them.” Mitchell said. “I stay loyal to those who stay loyal to me.”
Philadelphia is big on culture and loyalty, which is an easy transition for Mitchell.
Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell is selected as the No. 22 pick of the first round by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mitchell comes from a big family, the third oldest of six children (two boys, four girls), and was born and raised in Williston, a small town (population of less than 3,000) about 20 miles south of Gainesville.
A three-star recruit, Mitchell was the No. 159 cornerback in the 2019 recruiting class and the No. 253 recruit in Florida. Mitchell chose Toledo over offers from Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, South Alabama, and South Florida.
Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Mitchell spent four seasons at Toledo, playing 46 games (40 starts). Mitchell racked up some impressive numbers at cornerback: 6 Interceptions, 2 Interceptions returned for touchdowns, 122 tackles, 46 Passes defended, and 6.5 Tackles for loss. Mitchell led the FBS with 25 passes defended in 2022 and ended his career with the most passes defended in program history.
Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Toledo defensive back Quinyon Mitchell (DB27) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2nd-Team Associated Press All-American (2023)
2-time 1st-Team All-MAC (2022-23)
3rd-Team Associated Press All-American (2022)
Mitchell’s rise started at the Senior Bowl, and his place as a top draft pick was solidified when he tied the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.33 seconds) in the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.