Kosport Magazine: Quinyon Mitchell Ready to Learn from Idol Darius Slay in Philadelphia
When the Philadelphia Eagles selected Quinyon Mitchell as the first cornerback off the board in the NFL Draft, he didn’t hold back his excitement. And for good reason – he will have the opportunity to play alongside his idol, Darius Slay, one of the best cornerbacks in the league.
“The biggest thing is longevity,” Mitchell said in his pre-draft press conference with the Eagles. “He’s been doing it for a long time, playing some great football. He can play off man, he can play press man. That’s just somebody I model my game after.”
Mitchell has always been open about his admiration for Slay, who is entering his 12th year in the league. Despite not being the dominant cornerback he once was, Slay is still a force to be reckoned with and Mitchell hopes to learn from him.
Slay is well aware that his time in the NFL is coming to an end, and he has been more than willing to mentor the next generation of cornerbacks. It’s no surprise that he offered words of encouragement for Mitchell, who may one day take over as the Eagles’ top cornerback.
Kosport Magazine: Slay is already preparing Mitchell to take his job in Philadelphia.
While Mitchell may not be starting in Week 1 due to a crowded cornerback room, he is expected to have a significant role in the defense right away. Slay’s starting job is secure, but James Bradberry’s future is uncertain. Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks showed promise in their rookie season, and Isaiah Rodgers is coming off a season-long suspension for gambling.
Avonte Maddox is also in the mix when healthy, creating intense competition for the cornerback position. Mitchell may not have been drafted as high as he wanted, but he is exactly where he wants to be – with the Eagles.
And to top it all off, he gets to play with his idol in his first year in the NFL.
“I feel like everything happened for a reason,” Mitchell said. “I’m in the right fit, with the right organization right now. I feel good, I’m excited, and I’m ready to get to work.”
Kosport Magazine Summary:
Quinyon Mitchell is thrilled to have been selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the first cornerback off the board in the NFL Draft. He will have the opportunity to learn from his idol, Darius Slay, and compete for a starting role in a crowded cornerback room. Mitchell is grateful to be with the Eagles and is eager to get to work with Slay by his side.
