Cleveland Browns’ Barkevious Mingo Drawing Praise From NFL’s Rookie OT Class
By Josh Sanchez
Cleveland Browns rookie Barkevious Mingo was one of the most athletic pass rushers in the 2013 NFL Draft class, and his untapped potential attracted a number of teams at the top of the draft order. Luckily for the Browns, Mingo was there when they were on the clock and now they have a potentially scary pass rusher that can help boost their defensive unit.
If the impression that Mingo left on his former opponents in college is any indication, Cleveland is going to have a heck of a player. Mingo’s former opponents have been speaking out about his potential and skill set at the NFL Rookie Symposium and their praise has been heard loud and clear.
Some of those rookie offensive tackles that are singing Mingo’s praise are fellow first-rounders D.J. Fluker and Luke Joeckel, who faced off against the former LSU standout in the SEC.
“Mingo’s a great player. He has a good work ethic and he’s a guy with a high motor,” Fluker said. “He works hard, he’s strong and he’s fast off the edge. … He’s so quick, I’m surprised he’s not playing safety.”
Luckily for Fluker and Joeckel, neither player has to face Mingo twice a year.
“He’s a freak athlete. He’s long, he’s fast, he’s got a good jump on the ball,” Joeckel said. “His speed immediately jumps out at you on tape.”
If Mingo can fulfill his potential and continue to grow as a player, he could turn out to be one of the league’s star pass rushers and certainly worth the No. 6 overall pick that the Browns used to select him in April.