With the No. 22 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected cornerback Quinyon Mitchell out of Toledo.
Who is Mitchell, and how did he become one of the best defensive backs in this rookie class? Here’s everything you need to know about Mitchell and his football journey.
How Tall Is Quinyon Mitchell?
At 6’0”, Mitchell has solid size for a cornerback. He is within an inch of the other top cornerbacks in this rookie class. Height has become a more important attribute with cornerbacks in recent years. Defensive backs aren’t able to play as physically against receivers with the NFL’s new rules, so their size matters more than ever.
How Much Does Mitchell Weigh?
Weight isn’t nearly as important as height for CBs, but Mitchell is stout, weighing in at 195 pounds. This allows him to not only stop wide receivers but also helps him make an impact against the run.
How Old Is Mitchell?
Born on July 18, 2001, in Williston, Fla., Mitchell is 23 years old. He is a little older than some of the other CBs in this rookie class, but he’s still young enough to have untapped potential.
What School Did Mitchell Go To?
Believe it or not, Mitchell was only a two-star recruit coming out of Williston High School in Florida. As a late bloomer, he wasn’t a highly coveted prospect. The top programs to make him an offer were Toledo, Florida Atlantic, Arizona State, and Illinois. He ultimately committed to Toledo, where he stayed for the entire of his three-year collegiate career.
Revisiting Mitchell’s College Career
Mitchell played six games as a true freshman, totaling seven tackles. In 2021, he started every game, recording 34 tackles, eight pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a sack.
As a junior, Mitchell broke out, recording 42 tackles and five interceptions, including two that he returned for a touchdown.
Happy Monday, here are some Quinyon Mitchell highlights 🔥🔥🔥💚🦅 pic.twitter.com/7I5hHNlpa4
— Sidelines – Eagles 🦅🏈 (@SSN_Eagles) June 3, 2024
Due to his impressive junior season, opponents avoided throwing the ball in his vicinity during his senior year, yet he still finished the season with 41 total tackles, 18 passes defended, and one interception.
Mitchell’s NFL Outlook
Mitchell solidified himself as a lockdown corner, drawing interest from many NFL teams, including the Eagles.
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Philadelphia entered the 2024 NFL Draft determined to upgrade their secondary, and they drafted Mitchell in the first round. Then, the Eagles also picked Cooper DeJean with the No. 40 overall pick in the second round.
Entering his rookie season, Mitchell is expected to start for the Eagles at outside cornerback opposite Darius Slay Jr. in base formations. Once the Eagles go with a nickel package, Mitchell is projected to move inside and play slot cornerback. For more on how Philadelphia will utilize Mitchell, check out this article by PFN’s Anthony DiBona.