FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at University of Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Quinyon Mitchell
Quinyon Mitchell (CB – Toledo)
6’0″ – 196 lbs.
Background:
Three-star recruit who played sparingly in all six games as a true freshman during the shortened 2020 season. Took over a starting role the following year, with a strong season in which quarterbacks passed for a line of 28/52 (53.8%), 310 yards, one interception, and five breakups when targeting him. Has been even better the past two seasons; allowed just 27/70 (38.6%), 270 yards, and three touchdowns in 2022, intercepting five passes and breaking up thirteen more. In 2023, passers went 27/62 (43.5%) against him for 290 yards, one interception, and fourteen breakups.
Positives:
Has been a true lockdown corner for the better part of three years. Well-built corner who takes snaps on both sides of the field and sometimes from the slot. Plays a lot of off-man, not typically from press looks or with a backpedal, but appears to have a nice, low backpedal based on limited snaps. His extensive starting experience really shows up on tape, both in terms of his technique and from a mental standpoint. Always appears under control in terms of his balance. Shows good play recognition skills and awareness; a calm player who rarely looks uncomfortable on the field. Plays with patience and discipline when diagnosing route combinations from zone. Decisive player who trusts his reads and shows clean transitions when driving on a spot. Ball skills are excellent, with aggression at the catch point. When playing off-coverage and targeted on underneath throws, shows good timing to go for the breakup or a hit to separate receivers from the ball. Gets his head around early to locate when he turns his back to the passer. Awareness, timing, length, and leaping skills led him to break up over thirty passes in the past three seasons. Has developed into a reliable wrap tackler.
Negatives:
Would like to see more of his work in press-man to get a better feel for his technique there; hard to say how well he turns and runs with faster receivers based on games reviewed. Overall athleticism appears solid, but may not be one of the most agile corners in the class. Some tendencies to sit on shorter routes. Not always the most enthusiastic run supporter; some pile-inspecting tendencies.
Summary:
One of the most experienced and cerebral cornerback prospects in the class. Never appears surprised by what’s happening on the field, and his overall technique and positioning are very good. With some of the best ball skills in the class and the ability to line up both inside and outside, should be an early pick who looks ready to step into a defensive role early in his career. Might be best in a zone-based defense because of his strong processing and tackling.
Projection: Round 2
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