The 2024 NFL Draft marked a historic shift in player selections, especially in the first round. A remarkable twenty-three of the initial thirty-two picks were offensive players, establishing new records for the league. This unprecedented trend led to a significant number of defensive talents, including cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold, falling to later rounds.
Quinyon Mitchell’s Journey in the NFL
Quinyon Mitchell was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 22nd overall pick. This prompted the Detroit Lions to trade up to the 24th spot to secure Terrion Arnold. Mitchell’s career has been impressive thus far, with a standout performance during his first season in Philadelphia. He started 16 games, helping the Eagles capture their second Lombardi Trophy.
In his 25 games, Mitchell has maintained a notable allowed passer rating of 72.4. His skills have blended seamlessly into coordinator Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme, which emphasizes zone-match principles. This Sunday, as the Lions face the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, they will have a chance to assess Mitchell’s growth since the draft.
Mitchell’s Collegiate Achievements
Before joining the NFL, Mitchell played four seasons at Toledo. He made history as the first player in the school’s program to earn All-American honors from all five major outlets during his career. He first received this recognition in 2022 from the Associated Press and Walter Camp, followed by accolades from the American Football Coaches Association, Football Writers Association of America, and Sporting News in 2023.
- Career pass breakups: 46 (program high)
- 2025 allowed passer rating: 60.3 (5th among 84 cornerbacks with at least 195 coverage snaps)
Comparing Draft Classmates
The Lions and Eagles were unique in the 2024 Draft, each selecting two cornerbacks in the first two rounds. Detroit picked Arnold from Alabama and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. from Missouri, while Philadelphia acquired Mitchell and Cooper DeJean from Iowa. Unfortunately, Rakestraw suffered a season-ending injury during training camp.
Despite being ruled out for Sunday’s game due to a concussion, Arnold has shown significant improvement in recent weeks. He has allowed just 89 yards on eight catches over his last four games. This includes his first career interception against the Minnesota Vikings.
Anticipation for the Upcoming Matchup
The rivalry between Mitchell and Arnold, driven by their draft positions, will be a focal point in the coming games. Lions coach Dan Campbell remarked on Mitchell’s evolution as a player, noting how he has grown consistently from the season’s start to now.
As the Lions prepare to face the Eagles, they hope to showcase their talent and prove their decision in the draft was sound. Mitchell will aim to solidify the Eagles’ choice, while the Lions will look to continue their positive trajectory under Campbell’s offensive leadership.
