49ers fans should want this prospect after strong 2024 NFL Combine

Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell likely isn't going to fall to the 49ers at No. 31 overall in the draft after his impressive NFL Combine. But there's always hope.

The San Francisco 49ers' No. 1 need in the 2024 NFL Draft isn't a cornerback, although getting one has to be close to the top of general manager John Lynch's wish list.

And, in the Niners' case, a team ready to win a Super Bowl now might need only two or three key impact players to finally get over the hump and not fall short in the big game in the fourth quarter (or overtime).

One of those potential tone-setting and game-changing closers is Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.

The 6-foot-0 and 195-pound Mitchell was well within first-round NFL Draft consideration prior to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week. Considering San Francisco won't be picking until No. 31 overall, it already seemed unlikely he would fall to that point.

However, Lynch probably has a list of Round 1-type prospects for whom the 49ers would be more than willing to trade up.

Mitchell should be on that list.

Quinyon Mitchell wows at NFL Combine

There are plenty of likable attributes Mitchell possesses, but there's no denying his speed.

Like, a 4.33-second 40-yard dash kind of speed.

It's not just his basic straight-line speed either. Being able to maintain that speed while turning and changing directions speaks to his agility, and it can boast so many unique positive traits that'll translate over to the NFL in a great way.

Additionally, Mitchell had a vertical leap of 38 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet.

Could 49ers land Quinyon Mitchell in 2024 NFL Draft?

The chance of Mitchell falling to No. 31 overall was already slim before the NFL Combine, but it's almost entirely out of the question now. It's possible he winds up creeping into the top 10 on draft night after such an impressive combine outing and in the wake of a six-interception, 45 pass-breakup collegiate career.

But, assuming the Niners are putting a trade-up grade on Mitchell of, let's say, 15th overall, perhaps Lynch and his staff are willing to shell out additional draft capital to move up to that spot.

Assuming Mitchell falls into that range.

Much of that will center on San Francisco's ongoing search for a new defensive coordinator, as that new individual will likely have some say in what kind of defensive scheme the team will run.

However, seeing Bleacher Report's scouting report on him, one can assume Mitchell's skill set would translate well into what the 49ers have historically preferred doing:

"Mitchell has the skill set to play both man and zone, but he would be best served in a zone scheme, where he can play from off coverage and see the routes develop in front of him."

The Niners would realistically want Mitchell to drop as far as possible, perhaps into the 20s, which doesn't seem likely.

But, as anyone who has watched the NFL Draft for even a short amount of time can attest, things play out in unpredictable ways, and Mitchell falling into a comfortable trade-up range would be exactly what San Francisco would hope for.

Too bad the 31 other teams noticed just how good his combine numbers were, though.

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