Quinyon Mitchell Shines at Eagles Training Camp
Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell is making waves at the team’s training camp, turning heads with his spirited performances and backing up his play with some confident trash talk.
Mitchell has been a standout with his ability to adapt quickly to the slot position. His presence on the field has not only impressed his teammates but also earned him a surprise promotion to start in the slot position, courtesy of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Fangio remarked on Mitchell's development, saying, "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."
Teammates have taken note of Mitchell's emergence, particularly his ability to handle fierce one-on-one battles with some of the team’s top wide receivers, including A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Both Brown and Smith have been vocal about their respect for the rookie. Smith shared an interesting moment from practice, stating, "I got open, I caught the ball and he told me my route was trash." Despite the trash talk, Smith added, "I like it, though. He's a great guy. I like what I'm seeing."
Brown echoed similar sentiments, appreciating Mitchell's competitive spirit. "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 said. More than just verbal battles, Mitchell's adaptability on the field has been consistently praised. Smith mentioned, "He's moving around a lot—playing inside, going outside." He further commended Mitchell by stating, "The versatility is there. It's fun going against him."
The versatility that Mitchell has shown adds a crucial dimension to the Eagles' defense. With his ability to switch between playing inside and outside effectively, he brings an element of unpredictability and resilience to the team. Such adaptability has not only bolstered his position in the team but has also been a key talking point amongst his peers. Veteran cornerback Darius Slay also praised this quality, noting, "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."
Mitchell's rapid rise is poised to set a milestone. He will become the first rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 for the Eagles since Eric Allen did so in 1988. This speaks volumes about the talent and readiness Mitchell has displayed even before the official NFL season kicks off. His ability to communicate effectively on the field and get into his opponents' heads with his trash-talking bravado has added a new layer of intensity to the Eagles’ training sessions.
Another critical enhancement to the Eagles' secondary this offseason has been the swagger and confidence infused by new additions C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Quinyon Mitchell. Their presence has significantly bolstered the team's defensive outlook. A.J. Brown, appreciating the competitive edge they bring, mentioned, "You want some competitors on the other side too." He described Mitchell's mindset by saying, "Q, he's going to be locked in and he's going to talk his talk."
The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for the upcoming NFL season with renewed energy and confidence, much of which stems from the outstanding performances at training camp. Mitchell's seamless transition to a starting role, coupled with his on-field versatility and fearless attitude, has set a promising tone for the season ahead. With eyes fixed on the prize, the Eagles' secondary, now enriched by Mitchell’s presence, is looking to make a significant impact when the regular season commences.