NFL Draft: Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell to Falcons?

Could the Atlanta Falcons look to add to their cornerback room in the first round of next month's NFL Draft?

The Atlanta Falcons hold the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft for the third consecutive year, and once again have several needs they could use it to address.

Many mock drafts predict the Falcons to add to their offense in the first round, with receiver seemingly being the consensus position of choice. However, they've also used their past three first-round picks on offensive skill position players, so perhaps they could switch it up and go defense this year instead.

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If Atlanta does indeed decide to go defense in the first round, there may be a surprising name to keep an eye on. According to The 33rd Team, Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell could be among the Falcons' draft targets.

Mitchell may be a foreign name to many football fans given that he played at a small school, but he has left no doubt that he can perform at a high level.

Over his four seasons at Toledo, including three as a full-time starter, Mitchell racked up 122 total tackles, a school-record 52 passes defended and six interceptions, five of which came in 2022. Despite playing in the MAC, Mitchell has earned recognition for his accomplishments with a second-team All-American selection last season.

The 22-year-old also dazzled at the NFL Scouting Combine last month, posting a 4.33-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical jump.

Why Falcons Should Draft Rome Odunze with No. 8 Pick

Most mock drafts project Mitchell to go in the mid-late first round, but with the Falcons in need of a corner opposite A.J. Terrell, it's not a stretch to imagine them taking him earlier than that.