It’s been quite a long time since the Eagles have selected a cornerback in the first round of the NFL Draft. After weeks of speculation and rumors of them wanting an offensive lineman, the Eagles were given the top cornerback in the draft on a silver platter. Not only that but they had their options at 22. Both Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold were there for the taking and the Eagles sure did take their time in making this important decision. They have now solidified a need with a bonafide star who could become everything that Philadelphia has ever needed.
With the 22nd pick in the NFL Draft, the Eagles select…
The former Toledo product, Quinyon Mitchell, was selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles and the vibes are at an all-time high. Mitchell’s resume speaks for itself and was the better option out of the two. While many feel he may not have been as battle-tested as Terrion Arnold or Kool-aid McKinstry, Mitchell gives the Eagles plenty more than those two players can right now.
That is a polished cornerback who is ready to take over the NFL. The Eagles couldn’t have asked for a better situation to be in right now. They didn’t have to give up any assets to draft him and now go into the second round with two picks where they can get instant-impact kind of players. He seems to be the more pro-ready cornerback out of the handful of top corners in the draft which led to him being the Eagles first pick.
Mitchell was the highest-graded cornerback by PFF in this year’s draft with an overall grade of 91.5. His pass coverage grade was the third highest at 91.6. In his 2023 season, Mitchell allowed 27 receptions for 290 receiving yards and zero touchdowns. He’s been very consistent throughout his time in Toledo. He earned the high praise for not only his play in Toledo but also at the Senior Bowl.
When asked about Quinyon Mitchell, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban mentioned that he wanted Mitchell to enter the transfer portal so that he would end up in Alabama but the small town prospect stood loyal to the roots he planted in Toledo. Saban stated, “He was our No. 1 guy in the portal last year to try to get him to come out of the portal, and he would never get in the portal…”
His passer rating was at 51.1 during the 2023 season and he only allowed a completion percentage of 43.5% against him. If those statistics can translate well into the NFL then the Eagles were granted a huge gift by the terrible drafting of other teams. His quick hips and instincts pop out the most in the film. Mitchell’s ability to read a play and break it up will make every DB coach in the NFL wish that they had their version of him.
At 22 years old, Mitchell will spend his rookie season learning from one of the best to ever do it and a player that he has modeled his game after. Mitchell had high praise for Darius Slay Jr and will now line up on the opposite side of him on game day. As to what this means for James Bradberry, everything is up in the air but I wouldn’t rule out a possible trade during the draft or a post-June 1st cut.
With day two starting tonight, which position do you think the Eagles should focus on?
AP Photo/Carlos Osorio
