Quinyon Mitchell didn’t mince his words when the Philadelphia Eagles selected him as the first cornerback off the board in the NFL Draft. Mitchell will have the opportunity to play with Darius Slay, a player he idolizes among the best at the position.
“The most important thing is longevity,” Mitchell said in his pre-draft release with the Eagles. “He’s been doing it for a long time, he plays good football. He can play as a man, he can play as a press man. He’s just someone I model my game after.”
Mitchell has made no secret that he models his game after that of Slay, who is entering his 12th year in the league. Even though Slay is no longer the dominant cornerback he once was, he is still a very good cornerback at 33 years old and capable of holding his own against the best receivers in football.
Slay is well aware that his time in the NFL is coming to an end and he is more than willing to develop the next generation of cornerbacks. That’s why it wasn’t much of a surprise when Slay offered his words of encouragement to Mitchell, who could be the player who one day topples him as CB1.
Leave it to Slay to make sure he grooms Mitchell to take his job in Philadelphia.
Mitchell may not start week one in a crowded Eagles cornerback room, but it’s a safe bet he’ll play a big role on the defense right away. Slay’s starting job is locked up, but James Bradberry has an uncertain future. Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks showed promise in their rookie seasons, and Isaiah Rodgers is coming off a season-long suspension for gambling.
Avonte Maddox is also in the mix when healthy, creating incredible competition this summer. Mitchell may not have been picked as high as he wanted to be, but the Eagles are where he wanted to be.
Playing with Slay in year one in the NFL is icing on the cake.
“I feel like everything happened for a reason,” Mitchell said. “I mean, I’m in the right shape, with the right organization right now. I feel good. I’m excited and I’m ready to get to work.”
