Beyond His Years

PHILADELPHIA — The post-play staredown represented far more than two teammates competing to better one another.

For rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, his stoic glare in the face of wide receiver A.J. Brown on Tuesday following a red-zone snap illustrated the moxie and poise typically unseen in first-year players.

The pass never made it to Brown because the defense held firm, forcing quarterback Jalen Hurts to hold the ball. Mitchell provided blanket coverage the whole rep.

With a sudden flair for dramatics, the ensuing encounter between Mitchell and  Brown set the stage for another measuring stick rep.

Headed for the back corner of the end zone, Brown momentarily managed to reel in a one-handed touchdown. But the coverage from Mitchell provided little room to maneuver, and Brown wasn’t in bounds enough to snare the touchdown.

The sequence, in many ways, symbolized the dawn of the Eagles’ next franchise cornerback, a self-assured 23-year-old who refuses to back down.

“Everyday I come out against A.J., I just try and compete,” Mitchell said. “He’s one of the best in the game, so I know I’m getting good work. Every chance I get to go against him, I’ll just go out and compete and try to raise the bar.”

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES PHOTO: Rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell skies to break up a pass to Eagles WR A.J. Brown at camp practice.

Mitchell has worn a multitude of hats through the Eagles’ five training camp practices, including outside corner, dime and nickel. He appears to have found a temporary home playing the latter after admitting to not having repped at the position.

But regardless of what’s been thrown at Mitchell, the first-round pick has responded favorably, a testament to his football acumen and mental makeup.

“I think I handled it well,” he said. “I’m just learning every spot. I’m learning every position, so I feel really good.

The truth is, Mitchell has provided sticky coverage throughout camp, remaining in phase with receivers, contesting throws and demonstrating a level of consistency that typically translates to increased responsibility.

Even on plays in which he’s surrendered a reception, Mitchell is typically within vicinity.

Mitchell has said he modeled his game after fellow Eagles cornerback Darius Slay because of his ability to play off-man along with his aspiration to be a mainstay in the league like the 33-year-old, six-time Pro Bowler.

Mitchell first learned of his new role when he hit the practice field. Unsurprisingly, the rookie was prepared.

He did, however, note some of the differences that come with playing inside.

“Just knowing where my help at, just being inside,” he explained. “Knowing the checks that the safety gave me. Just learning the whole defense I would say.”

Mitchell has leaned on fellow defensive back Avonte Maddox the most for guidance, peppering the veteran with questions. Maddox, he said, has offered a wealth of knowledge.

It wasn’t long ago that Mitchell was believed to be a primary front-runner to start on the outside opposite Slay when the Eagles travel to Brazil to play the Green Bay Packers for the season opener.

Complicating his pathway on the outside, however, is the fact that two other cornerbacks – veteran Isaiah Rodgers and second-year pro Kelee Ringo – have also shown well, perhaps providing added appeal due to experience.

But an offseason hamstring injury sustained by fellow rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean that will sideline the second-round pick for at least another couple weeks has opened the door for Mitchell to get some looks at nickel, a position where DeJean was projected to start.

Given the learning curve that comes with playing the position, the weeks-long absence steepens the curve for DeJean.

In an effort to find ways to get the first-round pick on the field, it appears the Eagles have identified a viable interim replacement.

With steadiness, preparation and performance, Mitchell has checked off each of the major boxes that accompany every young player.

And learning the nickel role, a tricky position, has even strengthened and expedited Mitchell’s knowledge of coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense.

But Mitchell isn’t concerned about where he lines up, instead honing in on perfecting his craft and, as he said, trying to raise the bar.

The rookie is embracing the challenges ahead, wherever they may be.

“Wherever they put me,” he said. “They put me at corner. They can put me out there at nickel or dime. I’m just ready for it.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.