By Alec Nederveld
Coming into 2023, few knew Quinyon Mitchell and what he could become. While the CB was First-Team All-MAC a year prior, only fans of the MAC and CFB diehards knew the name. Since then, he has continued to rise and further proved himself at the Senior Bowl and Combine. Now, he is in contention, possibly even distancing himself from the competition as the drafts best corner prospect.
A three-year starter at Toledo, Mitchell brings a deadly mix of speed, instincts, and ball skills. He could keep up with everybody and break up nearly all passes that went near him. Mitchell led the NCAA with 25 breakups in 2022 and was tied for second in 2023 with 19.
Pro Football Focus has recognized Mitchell and his tremendous talent. He was graded their No. 1 cornerback in 2022 and 2023 at 92.5 and 91.5 respectively. According to them, the CB has only allowed completions on 40.9% targets over the two seasons for 560 yards.
Teams learned not to mess with Mitchell after a game against Northern Illinois in 2022. In the week six matchup, he tied a school record by picking off four passes, returning two of them for touchdowns. It was the most impressive single-game DB stat line I’ve personally ever seen. Without the 52-22 road win, Toledo wouldn’t have reached and later won the MAC.
While Quinyon Mitchell had the accolades, a knock against him was a lack of experience against tough competition. The MAC product had only played three Power Five programs in his career, although that did included a game against Ohio State in 2022. Mitchell had fewer opportunities to better himself against tough competition and that could hold him back.
However, he put those doubts to rest in the Senior Bowl. Mitchell was near universally seen as a riser after his week in Mobile. He brought attention to himself as a competitive player with something to prove and the talent to get the job done. Mitchell consistently mirrored wideouts and made it hard to get any separation.
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After the Senior Bowl, Mitchell moved up from a projected late first round pick to the middle of the round. His name was brought up in a debate for the top overall corner with guys like Clemson’s Nate Wiggins and Alabama’s Terrion Arnold & Kool-Aid McKinstry.
The CB’s size isn’t spectacular, but it’s certainly good enough. He checked in at 6’0 1/8″, 195 lbs with 31″ arms. Mitchell doesn’t have the same size as a guy like Khyree Jackson from Oregon, but that’s a tradeoff worth taking for the more complete prospect.
Mitchell’s combine performance is what cemented his status as CB1 to me. He finished with the second-best 40 time among all corners (4.33) and looked great in DB drills. Mitchell showed his speed on the transition 45° reaction drill, toping all DBs by getting to a speed of 21.27 mph. In other drills, he showed quick reactions and fast breaks on the hypothetical passes.
Mitchell has been mocked as high as 11th overall and that should rise when the latest mock drafts are made. Others on the website agree with me, as the website’s namesake Mike Farrell also has him as 2024s top CB.
With a talent as good as Mitchell’s, any NFL team would be lucky to have him. Barring something unfortunate, he will be a star in the league for years to come.
