During the 2024 NFL Draft, the debate over the top cornerback prospect captured significant attention, particularly regarding Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell. As the Detroit Lions sought to bolster their defense, they were keenly interested in adding a first-round cornerback.
Ultimately, Mitchell, who played college football at Toledo, was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 22nd overall pick, making him the first cornerback off the board. This left the Lions to trade up to the No. 24 spot to secure Arnold.
So far, both teams are satisfied with their selections. However, speculation remains about whether the Lions would have opted for Mitchell had he still been available. Ahead of the upcoming game against the Eagles, Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed this topic.
“We liked him,” Campbell confirmed. “We had him in here, had a visit with him. I’ll tell you, he’s really grown. I mean, just watching him from the first game to the Packers the other night, he’s getting better and better. His coverage ability is impressive; he doesn’t get fazed by pressure, and he can play the ball well in the air.”
Mitchell has made a significant impact since joining the league, starting all 25 games in which he has played, recording 22 pass deflections and 77 total tackles. In contrast, Arnold, who is currently sidelined due to a concussion, has achieved 87 tackles, 18 pass deflections, and an interception over 23 games. Although Arnold faced challenges with penalties early in his career, he has emerged as a formidable coverage corner. Comparatively, Mitchell has posted a lower career passer rating against him, despite some struggles with downfield routes in his rookie season.
Campbell continued praising Mitchell’s development, noting that while he was perceived as a bit raw coming out of college, he has made substantial progress. “They’ve done a good job with him,” Campbell added, highlighting the positive trajectory of the Eagles’ cornerback.
As both teams prepare for a crucial matchup, the performance and growth of these young cornerbacks will surely be a focal point, illustrating the ever-evolving dynamics of talent in the NFL. The ongoing development of both Arnold and Mitchell suggests a promising future for both players in their careers.