The first cornerback has come off the board, and to little surprise the Eagles are the team to make the first move at the position. Philadelphia has selected Toledo cover man Quinyon Mitchell 22nd overall.
This selection comes after multiple reports tabbed Howie Roseman as exploring a move up the first-round board for a corner. The Eagles had traded up in four of the previous five first rounds, but the team — either unable to find a suitable trade or preferring to stay put based on how the board stacked up — stood pat and will begin developing the mid-major prospect to likely emerge as a starter. Age has become an issue for the NFC East club at this position.
Mitchell exploded onto the scene in his second full season as a starter. While leading the MAC in interceptions with five, two of which were returned for touchdowns, Mitchell earned first-team All-MAC honors. But he caught the national eye after leading the country in passes defensed with 25, helping him to earn second-team All-American honors. He followed that up with a strong 2023 season, as well, in which he recorded one interception and 19 passes defensed (leading the MAC) and earned the same All-MAC and All-American accolades.
The Eagles desperately needed help at cornerback. With Slay at 33 years old and James Bradberry turning 31 before the start of the 2024 season, Philadelphia was lacking effective youth at the cornerback position. Both players had down years in 2023, as well, with Slay ranking as Pro Football Focus’ 55th-best cornerback in the league and Bradberry ranking 100th. The Eagles may continue to start Slay and Bradberry, considering how much money they’ve sunk into the two, but expect Mitchell to find his way onto the field early and often as a rookie.
Mitchell becomes the first first-round draft pick out of Toledo since Dan Williams in 1993. Mitchell also becomes the Rockets’ second-highest draft pick in NFL history behind Williams, who was drafted 11th overall. He’ll look to join Kareem Hunt and Diontae Johnson as the next pick name out of Toledo in the NFL.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.
LETS GO
Eagles finally take a corner early. Will they go Trotter Jr next if he is around?
With the run on QB’s , OL and DE this one fell right in Howie’s lap.
Howie a genius
I’m in heaven right now! we got him at #22 when they were saying we were trying to jump up to #12 for him.
They got lucky here – draft literally fell their way 2 years in a row.
Great first round. I’m guessing Howie trades one of the second round picks and moves down in the 2nd picking up a 3rd or 4th rd pick in return.
I thought the Eagles had themselves a very good offseason even before the draft started but when you can get the first CB on the board at #22 you certainly have good karma working for you.
Chiefs vs. Eagles SuperBowl book it now .