2. Barkevious Mingo, LB
Back in 2013, the Cleveland Browns used the No. 6 overall pick on LSU edge rusher Barkevious Mingo. He ended up playing just three seasons there before the Browns admitted their mistake and moved on. That was ahead of the 2016 season as Cleveland sent him to the New England Patriots in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
Mingo ended up playing a reserve role for the Patriots and was also used on special teams. He appeared in all 16 games and finished with just 11 tackles on the season. With that being the case, it would seem as though Joe Judge wouldn’t be interested in reuniting with the former first-round pick turned journeyman. However, that might not be the case.
During his short tenure with the Patriots, Mingo did have his share of good plays on special teams and even recorded two solo tackles while covering punts in their improbable come from behind win over the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI.
Mingo again showed up on Special Teams this postseason as he blocked a punt for the Houston Texans in their Divisional Round Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. That played ended in a Lonnie Johnson touchdown but was a reminder of what Mingo can bring to the special teams. Perhaps Judge would like to bring in a familiar face that can provide a spark on this unit.