Raiders should absolutely be looking at Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell at No. 13 in 2024 draft
Somehow, with the roster they had last year, the Las Vegas Raiders were able to finish the 2023 season with the seventh-best defense in the league. They didn't have the flashiest names outside of Maxx Crosby and Marcus Peters, who didn't work out, but they had guys that we like to call "dawgs," and they […]
Somehow, with the roster they had last year, the Las Vegas Raiders were able to finish the 2023 season with the seventh-best defense in the league. They didn't have the flashiest names outside of Maxx Crosby and Marcus Peters, who didn't work out, but they had guys that we like to call "dawgs," and they all did work out.
That's not to say there aren't areas the roster can't improve on defense. You don't want the Raiders to go all offense in the draft just because that side needs more fixing. The Raiders don't have to even go more offense in the draft – they could make it pretty balanced or even go more defense because the offense is more polished regarding the talent on the roster.
We know that the Raiders will need to upgrade their cornerback room a bit. They found a potential budding star in Jack Jones, whom they claimed off of waivers, along with a few other guys who can make plays, but they don't have that one player outside of Jones who can be a star at the position. It wouldn't hurt to grab a guy who has the potential of shutting down one side of the field.
If all of the quarterback options are off the table at pick No. 13 in the 2024 NFL Draft, and they weren't able to trade up, the Raiders should look into a guy at 13 that everyone is talking about.
Raiders should look into Quinyon Mitchell at 13
This week, the Reese's Senior Bowl kicked off. On Tuesday, they started practicing, and Wednesday featured a lot of the same things: One-on-one drills with a mix of some team reps. This is where names we will see in the draft start climbing up the ranks. One of the guys who has done just that is Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
Mitchell has made a name for himself this week if you didn't already know about him. He has all the tools and has put some pretty impressive plays on film this week that the Raiders would love. He is the name that everyone is talking about, including A to Z's very own Rob Gregson, who is at the Senior Bowl.
Mitchell is the kind of corner that modern teams covet. He has plus size, physical tools, and the tenacity to play solid run defense. With a few tweaks to some of his technique, Mitchell could be a long-time starter thanks to his obvious physical dominance. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports
Gregson mentioned Mitchell's floor comparison, which means if Mitchell was not to reach his potential, the worst he could be is Joshua Williams of the Kansas City Chiefs, whom we just saw go stride for stride with Odell Beckham Jr. on a few plays in the AFC Championship game. Williams is a good second-year corner who is still pretty raw but has the tools to be physical with big receivers and can also play with fast ones.
Gregson also mentioned that Mitchell's ceiling is that of Jaire Alexander, the Green Bay Packers lockdown cornerback. That is quite the comp to have, but all the tools are there for Mitchell to be very good. Mitchell can get a little grabby at the top of his route, but he does have a great understanding of the route he is defending. A few times this week, he mirrored WRs in one-on-ones very well and nearly ran the routes for them. On Tuesday, Mitchell came up with an interception as he was defending USC WR Brenden Rice.
After Tuesday's first practice of the week, Mitchell was asked a few questions by some media, one being where he would be most comfortable playing in terms of the DB position.
"Anywhere you put me. Slot, safety, outside, D Line, lineman," Mitchell laughed. "Anywhere you want to put me."
Mitchell also said he going 3/5 on the day and only losing two one-on-one reps, could have been a better day. He expects to be perfect.
There are a ton of CBs in this draft, and the Raiders need to take at least one. Of course, they took Jakorian Bennet last season, but it's evident he still has a lot of work to do. Mitchell is a guy who could come in and, if training camp goes well, could play big-time snaps for the Raiders in 2024 on a great defense.
Antonio Pierce to give veteran coach more prominent role on Raiders’ staff
Now the Raiders must build out their staff.
