Philly Leader

Quinyon Mitchell, a cornerback drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round, has signed his four-year rookie contract. This marks the first time since 2002 that the Eagles have selected a cornerback in the first round. The signing took place after the conclusion of the mandatory minicamp.

Mitchell was chosen as the No. 22 overall pick and is noted for his impressive college career statistics. He ranks sixth among all corners drafted in the last decade with 52 career ball disruptions, which include 46 pass breakups and six interceptions. Notably, none of those ahead of him on this list were picked before the third day of their respective drafts. His record for pass breakups is unmatched in Toledo's history.

Mitchell achieved significant recognition during his college years, becoming Toledo's first back-to-back Associated Press All-American. In 2022 he was named to the third team, followed by a second-team selection in 2023. Additionally, he earned two-time first-team All-MAC honors in those same years.

"His skill set translates to the league, regardless of who he is playing against," stated Charles Walls, Eagles Director of Player Personnel. "The way that he responds when he's challenged, the way that he finishes tackles, the energy he brings to his teammates; his whole body of work really stood out to me."

In an exceptional game on October 8th, 2022 against Northern Illinois, Mitchell became notable as the only FBS player since at least 2000 to achieve four-plus interceptions and return two-plus interceptions for touchdowns within a single game.

According to Pro Football Focus data from last season, Mitchell had a forced incompletion percentage of 27.7 percent—an impressive statistic placing him highest among corners drafted in this year's first round and second among all invitees at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Hailing from Williston, Florida—a town with around 3,000 residents located south of Gainesville—Mitchell is also distinguished as its first native son to be drafted into the NFL.

"Everybody knows everybody," said Mitchell about his hometown during a press conference. "A lot of family, a lot of connections in that hometown." Reflecting on community support following his draft selection: "They've been reaching out to me...They're super excited...I'm just giving them something to look up to and hope they'll be better than me."