Eagles Darius Slay had priceless response to question on rookie teammate

Ryan OLeary

•
Eagles Darius Slay had priceless response to question on rookie teammate image

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio dropped some news Monday when asked about cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, and the rookie’s readiness for Friday’s regular season opener in Brazil. Fangio hinted that Mitchell could be ready to play every snap on defense against the Green Bay Packers, if that’s what it takes. 

Those comments made their way into the Eagles locker room after practice, and veteran corner Darius Slay concurred with his coach — in a fashion only Slay could properly deliver:

Mitchell became the team’s first cornerback selected in Round 1 of the NFL Draft since 2002 this past April. Given Philly’s glaring need at the position, the plan has always been for the No. 22 overall pick out of Toledo to play. 

MORE: Eagles injuries: Starters Goedert, Rodgers on track to play in Brazil?

And the Eagles need Mitchell to play well. Second-round pick Cooper DeJean had a significant setback during training camp, nursing a hamstring injury, and while he’s been back on the field to prep for Week 1, he’s got some serious catching up to do.

"I think he's as prepared as he can be,” Fangio said Monday. “But having said that, not where he needs to be."

Given Mitchell’s trajectory as a lockdown corner in the NFL, Fangio could move him inside and outside as needed. He seemed to hint that we’ll mostly see Mitchell in the nickel spot, which is where he’s worked throughout training camp. 

“I do think for him, personally, it would be good to lock in at one spot,” Fangio said, “because even though we’ve been very happy with his development and his learning abilities, he still is a rookie and I do think if he could get comfortable at one spot it would be to his benefit. But we might not be able to do that.”

MORE EAGLES NEWS:

Eagles win NFC East, fall to surprise team in ESPN simulation

Eagles Nick Sirianni has perfect response to star QB's radio comments

Eagles defensive coordinator hints at huge role for 2024 draft pick

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni asked Tony Dungy this leading into Brazil trip

Jahan Dotson hilariously sets record straight on odd jersey number with Eagles

Ryan OLeary

Ryan OLeary Photo

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.