The Small School CB with Big Production that the Vikings Should Have Their Eye on in the 2024 NFL Draft
Josh Frey
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While many are hoping that the Minnesota Vikings target a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft, there is a possibility that they are unable to do so.
If the Vikings were to look elsewhere with their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, there is a small school CB who has quietly put together some fantastic production over the past couple years. That cornerback is Quinyon Mitchell out of Toledo, and he is the focus of today’s edition of the Vikings Draft Thermometer.
Overview
- Height: 6′ 3/8″
- Weight: 195 pounds
- Arm Length: 31 1/8″
- Hand Size: 9 1/8″
- Wingspan: 75 3/4″
- 40-Yard Dash: TBD
- School: Toledo
- Games Watched: Illinois, Miami (OH), Buffalo, Bowling Green
Quinyon Mitchell wasn’t the most sought-after recruit coming out of high school. He was a 3-star recruit by 247 Sports and the 114th-ranked CB in the Class of 2020. As a result, he committed to the University of Toledo, and rather than transferring to a larger program when his production took off, he stuck with the Rockets for four years. Now, he has a chance to become Toledo’s first prospect taken in the first round of a draft since Dan Williams in 1993.
Statistics
- 2020: 7 tackles (4 games)
- 2021: 34 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 8 passes defended, 1 forced fumble (12 games)
- 2022: 41 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 19 passes defended, 5 interceptions (14 games)
- 2023: 41 tackles, 2 TFLs, 18 passes defended, 1 interception (13 games)
Strengths
Quinyon Mitchell is a complete cornerback prospect. He is a vicious tackler and very aggressive at the point of the catch, which allowed him pile up a whopping 37 passes defended over the past two seasons at Toledo.
Mitchell brings solid NFL size, and his initial burst in coverage is alarmingly quick. There is a very good chance that he runs in the 4.4s at the combine or perhaps even faster. His toughness can be seen in his willingness to shed blockers against the run.
Most importantly, the instincts in coverage that Mitchell showcased throughout his collegiate career should make him a very promising draft prospect in the spring. He shows outstanding tenacity and makes big plays on a regular basis. Among all cornerbacks with at least 200 coverage snaps, his forced incompletion percentage of 27% ranked 11th, per PFF.
Weaknesses
The biggest question with Mitchell comes with the competition that he faced in college. When Toledo faced off against Ohio State in 2022, it was one of just three times that Mitchell allowed a passer rating over 100 in the past two seasons. He was targeted four times in that game, allowing four receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown.
There are also reps on his tape where, on the rare occasion that a receiver beats him in coverage, his effort fades late in the rep, leaving him vulnerable to giving up big plays. With his ability to accelerate and close on receivers, there isn’t an excuse for that at any level, let alone in the NFL.
NFL Projection
- Draft Stock: First Round-Top 50
- Immediate Role: Starting boundary CB
- NFL Comp: Greg Newsome
- Vikings Draft Thermometer (1-100): 35
There certainly could be bumps along the way for Mitchell as he transitions from playing in the MAC to the NFL. However, with his size and speed combined with a willingness to play an aggressive style of defense, one can only imagine the type of fit he would be in Brian Flores’ defense with the Vikings. He’s a high-flying CB who should be one of the first 50 prospects off the board in April.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via 247 Sports, Pro Football Focus and Sports Reference CFB.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.