Eagles cornerbacks both young and old share their mutual respect

What a night! Had you told us a week ago that the Philadelphia Eagles would have landed the top corner in the 2024 NFL Draft class WITHOUT having to trade up to acquire him, we would have told you that you were bananas. Shows you how much we knew, right?

We still can't believe it. Quinyon Mitchell joins the Birds by way of the 22nd overall selection. The question now is a simple one. Now what?

The answer might be just as simple. Following the first night of the selection meeting, he spoke with select members of the Philly media. He says he's ready to go, can play inside, and out, and is ready to soak up knowledge from Darius Slay and James Bradberry like a sponge.

"It don't matter where I play. I just want to help the team."

How long might that transition take though? It may be a while before we learn that answer, but here's what we can bank on. Those vibes in the DB room are going to be special.

The respect Quinyon Mitchell has for the Eagles veterans is mutual.

Quinyon Mitchell is in a nice situation. He'll begin his career as an Eagle on the depth chart behind two players who have played the game at a high level, six-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay and 2022 Second-Team All-Pro James Bradberry.

Before you attempt to foster rumors about the possibility of friction, don't. There's a mutual respect here. Quinyon says he patterned his game after Darius Slay, and 'Big Play' can't wait to be a mentor.

"I know Darius Slay's been doing it for a long time... and Bradberry. So, I mean just getting around (those) guys and soaking up as much game as I can (is what I want to do)..."

Keep that energy rook! It will serve you well!

The biggest thing is (Slay's) longevity" said Mitchell when asked what he most admires about Slay's game and what he wants to take from the veteran. "He's been playing some great football. He can play off-man. He can play press-man. I mean that's just somebody I model my game after."

Did we mention Philly didn't have to trade up to land this young man? There's still work to do but with two scheduled picks in Round 2 (and seven more remaining in total). Philly will have some options. Many great prospects are still available. We can thank a deep draft class for that.