Up next in the series of 2023 NFL draft profiles is a Day 3 wideout who calls to mind a recent Lions fan favorite and could make a nice replacement for that player in Detroit.
Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
Height: 6′ 1.25″
Weight: 226 pounds (measured at Senior Bowl)
Turns 22 in April
Mingo didn’t have the gaudy production or elite athleticism of Rebels predecessors DK Metcalf, or A.J. Brown, but he was a solid, consistent producer in his four seasons in Oxford. His final season (51 catches, 861 yards, 5 TDs) earned Mingo a Senior Bowl berth and a scouting combine invite.
Pros
- Big frame with long arms and huge hands (over 10″)
- Lined up all over the formation in a diverse passing offense
- Exceptional blocker for his position with good technique and real attitude to his execution
- Good after the catch, difficult to tackle with both thickness and balance through contact
- Quicker feet than expected for a bulky receiver and he can use them in a variety of ways off the route release and initial move
- Good hands and catch strength in traffic
- Progressed in his ball-tracking and in-air adjustment skills in ’22
Cons
- Lacks explosive burst and twitchiness off the line and out of releases
- Long speed is average at best and he doesn’t have an extra gear as a route runner
- Doesn’t always cleanly catch the ball when open, had a couple of costly bad drops
- Takes a lot of contact and big hits; missed several games with a broken foot in 2021
- Not a creative wideout or improvisational receiver when the initial play breaks down
Overall
Mingo’s frame, playing style and athletic profile all call to mind Lions 2020 fifth-rounder, Quintez Cephus. Mingo is quicker afoot and a better blocker as a prospect, but the overall style comparisons are quite similar between Mingo and Cephus, even down to the same foot injury.
With the oft-injured Cephus entering the final year of his rookie contract and no safe bet to make the team, adding a widebodied possession-type receiver on Day 3 makes some sense for the Lions. Mingo’s strength, ability to make things happen after the catch and utilitarian usage across all receiving roles make him a good candidate to be a No. 4/5 NFL receiver and core special teams player.
