Barkevious Mingo – Defensive end/Outside linebacker
Height: 6’4 | Weight: 240 pounds | Louisiana State | Junior
Strengths: Mingo is a super athlete which helps him to produce at a high level despite his thin frame. He gets off the snap quickly with his very good foot quickness and has an elite burst to close quickly on the quarterback or ball carrier. He is especially good at changing directions when charging up field and has the flexibility to dip his hips and torso to get underneath the offensive tackle while keeping his balance. His tall frame and long arms helps him to bat down or tip passes at the line of scrimmage. His playing strength is completely dependent on his playing with leverage and aggressiveness.
Weaknesses: Mingo struggles shedding in-line blocks if he does not use his hands well. He plays too upright at the point of attack at times allowing the offensive tackle to get a hold of him and then drive him off of the ball on run plays. Definitely not a power rusher with his lack of bulk, but can deliver a pop.
Final Thoughts: Mingo would be scary coming from the wide 9 position in a four down lineman front on obvious passing downs with his tremendous speed, burst, flexibility, and anticipation. Though he does not have the bulk to play the 4-3 defensive end with his thin frame, he does offer that speed rusher that NFL teams covet now a days. Overall, Mingo will upgrade a teams’ speed along the defensive line with his ability to chase plays down from sideline to sideline. He may never be more than a pass rushing specialist until he adds more bulk and playing strength. He will more than likely be drafted early in the first round with so many teams putting a premium on drafting players who can be disruptive pass rushing off the edges. He would also be effective as a pass rushing outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, but needs some coaching on dropping into coverage.
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