Steelers Land Freak Athlete CB in Latest Mock Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers could target several positions in the first round, but their focus must be on helping the secondary improve in 2024. In a year where things simply did not work out on the back end of the defense, turning it around through free agency and the NFL Draft is a massive project for general manager Omar Khan.

And over the NFL Draft season, one cornerback that has caught the attention of the team is Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. And in NFL Network’s newest mock draft done by Eric Edholm, he has the team selecting Mitchell after a fantastic Senior Bowl week.

“Another Senior Bowl standout who might be too low in this simulation, Mitchell would be an excellent addition to a team that plays a healthy amount of man coverage, which is where the Toledo product could be at his best. With Joey Porter Jr. and Mitchell, the Steelers could combat the excellent receivers of the AFC North more effectively,” Edholm wrote.

The Steelers were confirmed to be in attendance for at least two Toledo games to watch Mitchell and potentially more. This early in the process, that is a strong indicator on just how interested Pittsburgh looks to be in Mitchell.

Mitchell is impressive. In his two days at the Senior Bowl, the only way to describe his level of play was impressive. Wow, did this kid put on a show. He walked up in press coverage and played in off-man. He has both the speed to keep up with receivers down the field, but the length at the line of scrimmage to snuff them out. And he’s fluid in his transitions and turns to keep up with receivers. This was a statement day for him.

Given Mitchell’s measurements and physical attributes they fit the ideal Steelers cornerback quite well. I would keep an eye out for them. If there is one thing this team wants, it is guys with length and press coverage ability. Mitchell has those in spades despite being under 200 pounds. In fact, his frame is not too different from Joey Porter Jr.’s, though Porter had special length that stands out.