Philadelphia Eagles' rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell is quickly becoming a standout name at the team's training camp this preseason. Known for his spirited performances and trash-talking bravado, Mitchell has not only garnered attention but earned the respect of his teammates and coaching staff.
Impressive Adaptability and Early Promotion
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio recognized Mitchell's potential early on, awarding the rookie a surprise promotion to start in the slot position. Mitchell has adapted remarkably well to this new role, showcasing the versatility the Eagles had hoped to leverage when they drafted him. Fangio noted, "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."
Mitchell's ability to seamlessly transition and excel in the slot position has been impressive. His spirited approach in training and his skill on the field has set the stage for what could be a remarkable rookie season. In fact, Mitchell is on track to become the first rookie cornerback to start for the Eagles prior to Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988.
Dynamic Matchups with Veterans
Mitchell's integration into the team has also been marked by his dynamic matchups with veteran receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. These one-on-one battles have been a spectacle in themselves, with Mitchell holding his ground against seasoned players.
DeVonta Smith shared his experience going up against Mitchell, saying, "I got open, I caught the ball and he told me my route was trash." Despite the competitive banter, Smith holds a positive view of Mitchell, stating, "I like it, though. He's a great guy. I like what I'm seeing." Smith also noted Mitchell's ability to switch roles seamlessly, adding, "He's moving around a lot—playing inside, going outside."
A.J. Brown, another key veteran, has been equally vocal about Mitchell’s performances. "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," Brown explained.
Gaining Respect and Adding Swagger
Mitchell's presence on the field has not gone unnoticed, with teammates praising his versatility and confidence. Darius Slay, another cornerstone of the Eagles' secondary, expressed his admiration, "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."
A.J. Brown echoed these sentiments, highlighting Mitchell's competitive edge. "Q, he's going to be locked in and he's going to talk his talk... You want some competitors on the other side too," Brown said.
Overall, the Eagles' secondary has gained an added layer of swagger this offseason, bolstered by the additions of C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Quinyon Mitchell. These fresh faces have brought a renewed sense of energy and competitiveness to the team's defensive lineup.
Eyes on the Upcoming Season
As the Eagles gear up for the upcoming NFL season, all eyes will be on Mitchell to see if he can maintain his momentum from training camp. His versatility, adaptability, and confident demeanor suggest that he is well on his way to making a significant impact in his rookie year. With the support and respect of his teammates firmly in place, Mitchell is poised to be a key player to watch as the Eagles take to the field.