On April 22, in a seven-round PFF mock draft, the Lions selected Mitchell by trading up from late in the first round to No. 15.
“The Lions are clearly in ‘win now’ mode and make a move here by trading up for PFF’s 10th-ranked player in the draft class,” noted PFF’s Josh Liskiewitz. “Over the past two seasons, Mitchell surrendered just 56 receptions on 140 targets into his coverage with eight interceptions and 36 forced incompletions.”
The Lions proposed trading their second-round pick and a third-round pick in 2025 to the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts also obtained Detroit’s 29th overall selection. In exchange, the Lions acquired the No. 117 overall selection in the fourth round.
The Lions would select Mitchell, one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2024 draft class.
“The majority of Mitchell’s appeal as a prospect comes from his physical profile and playmaking ability,” writes Ian Cummings of the Pro Football Network. “At 6’0″, 195 pounds, Mitchell has good play strength and proportional length — traits that are amplified by his elite explosiveness, closing speed, and twitch.”
Last season, Mitchell had 18 pass defences and one interception. He also had 19 pass defences and 5 interceptions in 2022.
Mitchell is listed as the #1 cornerback in the 2024 draft class on ESPN and Bleacher Report’s consensus big boards.
How Quinyon Mitchell Might Fit With The Detroit Lions
This offseason, the Lions have already traded for cornerback Carlton Davis. They also signed free agent Amik Robertson and resigned Khalil Dorsey, Kindle Vildor, and Emmanuel Moseley.
However, the Lions did not expect to lose Cameron Sutton, whom the organization discharged on March 21 after he became the focus of a police investigation.
So it wouldn’t be unexpected if the Lions pursued a top cornerback prospect to replace Sutton. Despite making it to the NFC championship game last season, Detroit struggled in pass defence.
In 2023, the Lions were 27th in passing yards allowed. They were also ranked 29th in terms of net yards gained per pass attempt.
Mitchell might also help Detroit’s secondary by providing long-term stability. All of the cornerbacks the Lions signed this summer are on two-year contracts.
Quinyon Mitchell Listed as a top 10 prospect in the 2024 draft class, trading up 14 spots would be pricey for the Lions. Brad Holmes, general manager, should be aggressive now that the squad is on the verge of winning the championship.
Aside from cornerback, the Lions have few big needs to address in the 2024 draft. That warrants a move up the draft for a top defensive back.
The Lions might save their draft money to create depth in critical positions and seek a cornerback at No. 29. However, Mitchell, along with maybe the other top five cornerback prospects, will no longer be on the board.
Not only do ESPN and Bleacher Report consider Mitchell the best cornerback in the draft, but both consensus big boards have him ranked No. 10 overall.
PFF ranks Mitchell second among cornerbacks in the upcoming draft class. However, PFF ranks the Toledo cornerback ninth overall.
If the Lions see Mitchell in a similar light and he is still available at No. 15, a trade up to get him would make a lot of sense.
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