Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell has quickly become a standout at the team's training camp, capturing attention with his spirited play and unyielding confidence. His performances have not only turned heads but have also earned him a start in the coveted slot position, a move orchestrated by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
"I do think when you drafted a corner per se in the first round, he needs to be a corner, and then if he can play inside, that's a bonus. This is a bonus right now that he's been able to play inside. We still really like him as a corner, though, too," Fangio commented, emphasizing Mitchell's adaptability and the versatility the Eagles sought when drafting him.
Early Impressions
From the outset, Mitchell's play has resonated with his teammates. His spirited one-on-one battles against top-tier receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have become a hallmark of camp. Not only has he managed to hold his ground, but his audacious trash talk has also added a layer of excitement to practice sessions.
"I got open, I caught the ball and he told me my route was trash," DeVonta Smith reflected, acknowledging that Mitchell's banter adds a competitive edge. "I like it, though. He's a great guy. I like what I'm seeing."
Minting Swagger
The Eagles' secondary, already bolstered by offseason additions like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, has embraced a newfound swagger. Mitchell's confident demeanor has undoubtedly played a part. "Q, he's going to be locked in and he's going to talk his talk," noted A.J. Brown, who has frequently sparred with Mitchell on the field. "That's me kind of picking a fight with him, trying to get him going. He likes to talk trash at me. But I'm just picking a fight with him to make practices very interesting. But he's not fazed. He's not fazed."
A Historic Milestone
In an impressive milestone, Mitchell is poised to become the first rookie cornerback to start for the Eagles before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. His seamless transition to the slot position and his ability to switch between playing inside and outside have not gone unnoticed.
"He's moving around a lot—playing inside, going outside," said DeVonta Smith. "The versatility is there. It's fun going against him."
Veterans Take Notice
Veteran cornerback Darius Slay has also expressed his admiration for Mitchell's composed yet assertive style. "Oh yeah. I love it. It's pride and like chill. It’s not loud. He just goes to him and is like, next. Line it back up. It’s smooth. That’s how I do it. I love it."
Embracing the Challenge
As the Eagles gear up for the upcoming NFL season, the energy and competition Mitchell brings to the field are seen as valuable assets. Not just limited to his on-field performances, his presence is invigorating seasoned veterans and adding depth to the secondary unit.
"You want some competitors on the other side too," added A.J. Brown, underlining the importance of having a challenging practice environment to elevate the team's overall performance.
Mitchell’s emergence as a key player in the Eagles' defense is a testament to his skill, versatility, and fearless approach. With his eyes set on making an immediate impact, Mitchell's journey from a promising rookie to a potential game-changer is one that fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching as the season progresses.