The Philadelphia Eagles are heating up and are now riding a two-game win streak. The defense has taken some significant leaps over that span, but one man in particular continues to steal the spotlight – rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell.
The Toledo product was thrust into a starting role straight off the jump and has handled every challenge put in front of him. He’s yet to allow a touchdown through the opening 6 games of the season, and has allowed just 48.3% of passes thrown his way to be completed for a total of 197 yards. He’s batted away 6 passes and allowed a QB rating of just 70.6 when targeted.
Most recently, he bottled up rookie sensation Malik Nabers. The Giants’ receiver was unable to do much of anything against Mitchell’s sticky coverage, and it feels like the only thing evading his excellent season up to this point is that elusive first interception.
Mitchell simply exudes confidence on the field. His swagger is unmatched and there’s a real aura about his play. Aggressive at the catch-point yet silky smooth in his breaks, he’s able to stick to receivers like glue and allow his veteran-like instincts carry him downfield while anticipating the ball. It’s rare to see a rookie corner not only play to this level, but look like he’s getting better every week.
No Eagles player has ever actually won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. While Jalen Carter was arguably robbed of that honor last year, Philadelphia is yet to produce a player to bring home that gold. Mitchell could well be in-line to change that if he can continue to develop at his current rate.
According to DraftKings, his chances of doing so are fairly high.
NFL DROY Odds: Quinyon Mitchell chasing down the leaders
| Laiatu Latu | +200 |
| Jared Verse | +200 |
| Quinyon Mitchell | +625 |
| Calen Bullock | +800 |
| Kamara Lassiter | +1000 |
Mitchell finds himself nestled in behind two edge rushers in Latu and Verse. Latu has 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 14 tackles on the year while Verse has 1 sack, 16 tackles, and a forced fumble.
It’s rare that a cornerback actually wins the DROY Award. The last to do so was Sauce Gardner in 2022, who was the first to claim it since Marshon Lattimore‘s incredible 2017 campaign. Marcus Peters (2015) is the only other corner to win the award since 1998 when Charles Woodson turned heads.
The big thing for Mitchell is that he has played 97% of snaps so far this season. So long as he’s on the field more than most other rookies and performing at the level he is, there’s no reason he won’t be in the running. The only thing missing from his impressive rookie year is that fabled interception, something that has slipped through his grasp on several occasions this season already. It feels like it’s only a matter of time before Mitchell picks off his first pass in the pro’s, and that’s only going to boost his chances of winning the award.
The Eagles have a real gem in Quinyon Mitchell, who already looks primed to one day take over from Darius Slay as the team’s CB1, a role he could well hold for years to come. Individual accolades don’t really interest players on this team (as we learned this week), but it would be truly amazing to see Mitchell rise above all expectations as the 22nd overall pick to snatch it over the two decorated edge rushers.
Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
