Mingo Has a Long Way To Go
By Greg Maddox
September 8, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) against the Washington Huskies during a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Washington 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
Barkevious Mingo had some pretty high expectations heading into the 2012 season. There was even talk that he would break the streak of four consecutive drafts with a QB selected at number one.
Mingo showed his ability to pressure the quarterback last year and his unreal first-step made scouts drool. While only seeing limited snaps, Mingo made a name for himself in a talented LSU defense.
But as of right now I don’t think there is any prospect more overhyped than Mingo, especially when viewed as a possible #1 pick.
Mingo has only played football since his junior year of high school and this is his first year seeing “starting” playing time (He is still used in a talented front-7 rotation at LSU). His untapped potential is what makes pundits so excited.
As of right now, Mingo is too small to play as a 4-3 end or be a early-down player in the 3-4. He will probably measure in at around 6’3” and 240 pounds, which is undersized for a 3-down edge player.
I don’t think he would be able to contribute as anything more than a 3rd down pass rusher or as a nickel defender in a 3-4.
Mingo has yet to make an impression this year despite increased playing time at LSU. He has no sacks, and only 9 tackles so far this year. And he hasn’t exactly been playing against stellar talent.
His quickness is still getting him in the backfield against non-NFL caliber tackles. He had three QB hurries against Auburn this weekend. He is often utilized as a delayed blitzer on the interior in order to utilize his speed.
I understand the intrigue with a high-upside pass rusher like Mingo. However, as of now he is not producing against inferior talent, he is far from a complete player, he is undersized, and he gets most of his pressures from delay blitzes and stunts.
I still have Mingo as a first rounder, and likely top-20 pick. However, I am moving him further and further back in the teens until he proves he can matchup to talented tackles one on one.
Don’t buy the hype.