DeVonta Smith, Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith can't stop gushing over Eagles defender at camp

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles
By Anthony Miller | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 6:00 AM ET

If there were anyone who would know how a great defender looks, it would be Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

After practice at training camp on Tuesday, Hurts and Smith both spoke with the media, and they had nothing but high praise for second-year cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. Smith led off the praise as he talked about the tough coverage Mitchell has been giving him.

"Going against (Quinyon Mitchell), you can really see the steps that he's taking," Smith said via Zach Berman of PHLY. "It's not easy going against Q. He's making it tough on us, making us make contested catches."

Hurts followed up by sharing what has been different with Mitchell from last year to this year.

"Just his confidence. I even took the time to ask him, I was like, 'man, what do you feel like the difference is in Year 2?' He said, 'confidence.' Want to see that continue to develop and grow. He's been very sticky in coverage. He's been challenging all those guys from a 1-on-1 standpoint."

Jalen Hurts on Quinyon Mitchell: "Just his confidence. I even took the time to ask him, I was like, 'man, what do you feel like the difference is in Year 2?' He said, 'confidence.' Want to see that continue to develop and grow. He's been very sticky in coverage. He's been… https://t.co/ajT0uk0Qik
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) August 5, 2025

That confidence reflects in how Mitchell has played in Year 2

It really shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has been watching Mitchell closely over the last year. In 2024, he recorded 46 tackles and 12 pass breakups, while also allowing a passer rating of 87.2 and a completion percentage of 54.7%. He finished second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year category as he followed up the regular season with two interceptions and allowed a passer rating of a staggeringly low 33.3.

This week, Mitchell was ranked as the 49th best player in the NFL by the players. He's also received praise from publications such as Pro Football Focus, which ranked him as the 16th best cornerback in the NFL.

Training camp has been a blast for Mitchell as he has performed well. On Monday, he had an interception and two pass deflections at camp.

Entering his second season, Mitchell already looks the part as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Eagles fans can't help but be excited for what they are about to see in him in 2025.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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