Toledo CB Prospect 'Perfect Investment' For Eagles in 2024 NFL Draft
The Philadelphia Eagles still have a chance to win the NFC East in Week 18, and even if they have to settle for a Wild Card spot, they are guaranteed at least one playoff game. But as losers of four out of their last five games, the Eagles feel like an increasingly-flawed team that's unlikely to make a Super Bowl run for the second year in a row.
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Part of the fix this offseason for the Eagles will likely be upgrading at both coordinator positions. It would seem to be over-reactionary to move on from coach Nick Sirianni, but offensive coordinator Brian Johnson may very well be dismissed. And whether Matt Patricia is officially made the defensive coordinator in 2024 or the Eagles go external for the position, major changes are likely in defensive coaching.
Still, part of the problem -- specifically on defense -- has been a lack of talent. Between free agent departures and aging, the linebacking corps and secondary have been liabilities during the second half of the season.
Under general manager Howie Roseman, the Eagles haven't traditionally invested major resources in the linebacker position. Cornerback has been a position they've been willing to invest in. The Eagles will need to take on some dead money this offseason to move on from either James Bradberry and Darius Slay, and while there have been some positive signs from rookie Kelee Ringo, there's a strong chance the Eagles will be making a major investment at cornerback this upcoming offseason.
To that end, Pro Football Focus recently ranked the perfect NFL Draft prospects for each team, and put Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell for the Eagles.
"The Eagles retained both of their starting cornerbacks last offseason, but Mitchell still feels like the perfect investment for them at that position," PFF wrote. "Over the past two years, he has earned elite coverage grades with an astounding 35 forced incompletions, six interceptions and even eight more dropped picks."
Mitchell is a 6-foot, 197-pound cornerback who had a monster sophomore season for Toledo. He had five interceptions -- two of which he returned for touchdowns -- with 41 tackles. He had just one interception in his junior season, but again had 41 tackles, two of which were for a loss.
PFF has Mitchell rated as the No. 40 overall prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft class, so he would seem to be a realistic target late in the first round for the Eagles, wherever their selection ends up at.
Roseman, of course, has an excellent reputation for his cap management. But he'll have to get creative in trying to shed either Bradberry or Slay this offseason. Bradberry -- who has a meager 56.3 PFF grade this season -- would leave $17.238 million in dead cap money if released this offseason. Slay would leave $35.096 million if released, which may not be realistic.
