Quinyon Mitchell had opportunities to leave Toledo. The Group of Five All-American cornerback could’ve left the Rockets to go to any number of Power Five teams, earn more notoriety, and probably make more NIL money.
But he didn’t. And when that came up at the NFL Combine, and if pro scouts asked about it during interviews with him, his reasoning was simple.
“I had a great situation,” Mitchell said. “Everybody went away, so I stayed loyal to them. I think that came up at every meeting ‘Why did you stay at Toledo?’ So, I just gave them that same answer.
“Just try to stay loyal to those who are loyal to me,” he later added.
Whether NFL fans knew of Mitchell before the NFL Combine, they should recognize his name now. He was drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and was the first cornerback off the board.
“Just making statements,” Mitchell said, “and proving myself.”
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
Quinyon Mitchell’s Toledo Career
Mitchell grew up in Williston, Florida, which has a population of about 3,000. But he was still a three-star prospect and said some Power Five schools like Illinois, Arizona State, and Florida showed some interest.
That was before his grades began to decline. He admits he had a low GPA coming out of high school, and that affected his collegiate choices. But he learned about the importance of taking care of himself off the field.
He also strengthened his bonds with those at Toledo. Mitchell noted how the Rockets kept checking in on him during his last year of high school, and that’s why he ended up attending Toledo.
He highlighted how the coaching staff positively influenced him since his first season there in 2020.
“Just being real with me, caring for me, loving for me,” Mitchell said of what he learned from the Rockets’ coaching staff. “And just realizing the moment is never too big.”
Mitchell played immediately once he got to college and was a starter in his second season with the team. He earned All-American honors by 2022 and finished his Rockets career as the program’s all-time leader in pass breakups with 46.
Throughout that time, Mitchell had chances to transfer. But he declined those opportunities. His connections with people at Toledo were strong, he noted, so he remained.
For example, Mitchell didn’t work out at Toledo’s Pro Day. But he did attend it to support his teammates.
“Any good player across college football, whether G5, Power Five, Division II, there are people looking to upgrade,” Rockets head coach Jason Candle told HERO Sports. “And he had those opportunities and chose his close relationships with teammates and coaches, and he had a good thing going. It was a very unique perspective, maybe passing up some immediate (NIL) money for big money later (in the NFL) due to his level of comfort and to play at a high level.”
NFL Draft Hopes For Quinyon Mitchell
Any questions about Mitchell sticking with Toledo should be answered now.
Mitchell stood out at the Senior Bowl, which was critical for his draft stock. He proved he’s capable of shutting down some top-notch wide receivers there. He said he felt he “went down there, competed, and dominated.”
“I am not shocked that Quinyon Mitchell went and silenced some doubters,” Candle said. “I am not surprised at the week he had. The people who get paid to evaluate at a high level, had him on the radar for a long time. Any attention he has received has been earned.”
And Mitchell continued to showcase his skills at the NFL Combine.
Mitchell’s score there, per NFL Next Gen Stats, was a 90, which is considered elite. He was one of five elite prospects at the combine, and his score was first among all cornerbacks.
At 6-foot, 195 pounds, he was second among cornerbacks and third among all players with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash and was first at his position group with 20 reps in the bench press.
Mitchell believes his combination of size, strength and speed makes him stand out. But he also said his grit sets him apart from the rest of the cornerbacks in this class.
He continues to be motivated – to prove he’s a top-tier prospect despite playing for Toledo in the MAC.
“I didn’t come here to be mediocre,” Mitchell told media at the combine. “I came here to break records.”
Where Did Quinyon Mitchell Get Drafted?
Mitchell was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
