VDT: Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo Could Be an Early Day 2 Pick
Josh Frey
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As the NFL Draft gets closer, there are prospects finally gaining serious recognition for their potential and talent, and Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo certainly falls into that category. Today, he is the focus of today’s edition of the Vikings Draft Thermometer series, PurplePTSD’s one-stop shop for all your 2023 NFL Draft needs.
Throughout this series, we have examined a number of prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, what exactly their role could be at the NFL level, and most importantly, whether or not they could end up playing their first NFL snaps in a Vikings uniform.
Background
- Height: 6’2
- Weight: 220 pounds
- Arm Length: 32 1/8″
- Hand Size: 10 3/8″
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds
- 10-Yard Split: 1.54 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 39.5″
- Broad Jump: 10′ 9″
- Bench Press: 22 reps
- School: Ole Miss
- Games Watched: Georgia Tech (2022), Kentucky (2022), Alabama (2022), Texas Tech (2022)
Statistics
- 2019: 12 receptions, 172 yards, 1 TD (7 games)
- 2020: 27 receptions, 379 yards, 3 TDs (8 games)
- 2021: 22 receptions, 346 yards, 3 TDs (6 games)
- 2022: 51 receptions, 861 yards, 5 TDs (13 games)
Strengths
Mingo is the perfect example of a prospect where we should pay attention to his reps rather than his production. He may have never broken 1000 yards receiving for Ole Miss, but he is an extremely physical and effortless route-runner. He is a very efficient player with no wasted movement.
Ole Miss’ offense didn’t work through the air very often due to their dynamic duo at RB, but Mingo grew to be a very important part of that offense, not only with his pass catching, but with his blocking as well. With his wide frame, he becomes a chore to work through, even for linebackers.
Weaknesses
Outside of the production not being on par with some of the other top wide receivers in this class, Mingo isn’t the most explosive athlete on the field either. He certainly can accelerate up to speed, but his large frame makes it take awhile for him to get there.
This leads to trouble against tight man coverage because opposing cornerbacks are able to stick to him for longer while he tries to accelerate to top speed. This not only limits his effectiveness in the deep game, but it makes it tougher to create separation on shorter routes as well, allowing defenders to make a play on the ball.
NFL Projection
- Draft Round: Mid Second-Early Third
- Immediate Role: WR2/3
- Best-Case Scenario: Faster Michael Thomas
- Vikings Draft Temperature: 40
The Vikings certainly could be a team looking at drafting a receiver in a couple weeks. Especially considering Mingo took the majority of his snaps within the slot, he could fit seamlessly into Minnesota’s offense next to Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn. The only potential concern comes from his potential lack of ability to be a true deep threat.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.