Wide Recievers

Jonathan Mingo (Panthers) NFL Draft Preview

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Post-Draft Fantasy Impact

Draft Team: Carolina Panthers, Round 2, 8th pick (39th overall)

I remain a very humble draft analyst, likely due to my upbringing as a Lions fan. But every once and a while, I like to toot my horn. And I’ll take a very small victory lap on my pre-draft ranking of Jonathan Mingo. I’m just not sure how you watch Jonathan Mingo’s tape, evaluate his athleticism, and not be excited about his potential in the NFL. Did I have him slated as the 5th wide receiver off the board? Definitely not, but I completely understand it.

Scott Fitterer was not shy in this draft, moving up to number one to take his franchise player in Bryce Young and making a statement pick in the second round with Mingo. After the clear top 4, the wide receiver position was in the eye of the beholder and Mingo has as much upside as anyone else at the position. Some will call it a reach, but Mingo has WR1 potential, and the Panthers need a new alpha in their offense.

Mingo is a much-needed talent infusion into a Panthers wide receiver room that features fine, injury-prone retreads in DJ Chark and Adam Thielen, with an unproven Terrance Marshall, and gadget guy in Lavisk Shenault. It’s not much of a mountain to climb for Mingo, who has more upside than anyone I just named.

So the draft capital is there, the depth chart climb is achievable, and the offensive line is decent. Which means a lot of the upfront value of Mingo comes down to how you view Bryce Young. I’m personally a believer and therefore think Mingo’s value truly has legs. Given his skyrocketing dynasty ADP of around 12, he’s certainly an investment, but there is a serious WR1 upside here.

Jonathan Mingo NFL Draft Preview

Slept on because of his relatively limited production at Ole Miss, Jonathan Mingo could be a steal in both the NFL draft and your dynasty draft. While Mingo doesn’t have elite speed, he’s extremely athletic (see his vert/broad jump,) runs good routes, and has an impressive frame. With some added polish and the right schematic fit at the next level, Mingo could put up draft-worthy fantasy numbers.

MEASURABLES

  • 6’2″ 220 lbs
  • 40-yard dash – 4.46 seconds
  • Vertical Jump -39.5″
  • Broad Jump – 10’9″

STATS AT OLE MISS

  • 2022: 51 catches, 861 yards, 5 TDs
  • 2021: 22 catches, 346 yards, 3 TDs
  • 2020: 27 catches, 379 yards, 3 TDs
  • 2019: 12 catches, 172 yards, 1 TD

POSITIVES

Mingo has the size and strength that is desired out of an NFL wide receiver and knows how to put it to work. He’s a physical runner taking on defenders and breaking through arm tackles. Also physical through the catch and shields defenders well. Is excellent with the ball in his hands and shows plus yards after the catch ability. Shows promise as a route runner with quick feet and a good feel for the position. Also showed drastic improvement over the past two seasons illustrating an openness for coaching.

NEGATIVES

Long speed is a concern despite a decent 40 time. Mingo didn’t show the ability to create separation on the second level consistently. His hands will need work as well. And while he has a decent contested catch rate, there are too many body catches on film. Can get eaten by the ball from time to time. Route running will need polish and he needs to increase urgency in and out of breaks. Production is not at the level of an elite college wide receiver.

GRADE: B

Jonathan Mingo continues to fly under the radar in dynasty circles, but I’m not sure he should be given what I saw on film. While his college production isn’t what you would want to see on a high-end draft pick, he got better every year and saw a huge leap in ability in 2022. His size, strength and YAC ability creates a receiver who has NFL potential. Given the right landing spot, Mingo could turn into a useful PPR dynasty asset.

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