Hogs Haven
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Rank 1 - Quinyon Mitchell - Philadelphia Eagles · CB
Odds: +220 | Drafted: Round 1, No. 22 overall
We live in a world where QB disruptors get the edge when it comes to glory, so in the end, this award will probably go to the pass rusher I’ve ranked below Mitchell. But what’s the point of all this if we never go out on a limb? Mitchell has been an absolute stud this season, and he’s been a true lock-down force since the Eagles’ Week 5 bye. In each of his past six games, Michell hasn’t allowed more than 25 receiving yards as the nearest defender, per Next Gen Stats:
Corner is a fickle position, as illustrated by the struggles this season of the last CB to win the DROY award, Sauce Gardner (2022). But Mitchell has impressed with traits that suggest his success is sustainable, smothering receivers with physical play and showing the athleticism to run stride-for-stride with his man. And it’s not like he’s slowed some bums, either; over the above six-game span, Mitchell faced the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, Mike Evans, Drake London and Terry McLaurin.
Mitchell currently doesn’t have a pick to his name, but if he can nab a couple of INTs down the stretch, he’ll make some gains in this race. Maybe a few big plays in prime time — while the Eagles soar into the postseason — will prompt enough attention for the corner that he’s able to steal the award.
The Eagles ruled one player OUT: DeVonta Smith.
Smith did not practice this week due to the hamstring injury he’s been dealing with. Missing him obviously isn’t ideal because he’s a really good player. Then again, the Eagles were able to beat the Rams last year without him being a major factor (five targets, one catch, six yards). Smith’s absence leaves the Eagles with the following healthy receivers on the active roster: A.J. Brown, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, and Ainias Smith. It’s possible they’ll also have Britain Covey (more on him below). It’ll be interesting to see who ends up being the second-most targeted receiver. One would think it’ll be Dotson but Jalen Hurts hasn’t...
