LSU Football 2013 NFL Draft Profiles: Barkevious Mingo

Position: Def. End/Outside Linebacker
Combine Height/Weight: 6-4, 242 pounds
LSU Listed Height/Weight: 6-5, 240 pounds
Hand Size: 9 5/8 inches
Arm Length: 33 3/4 inches
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.58
Bench-Press Reps (of 225 pounds): N/A
Vertical Jump: 37 inches
Short/Long Shuttle: 4.39/N/A
3-Cone Drill: 6.84
Broad Jump: 128 inches

Strengths

Elite level athlete with incredibly impressive speed for his size...pure speed rusher with incredible burst out of his stance...with a clean release, few tackles can stay with him on a speed rush...can use his long arms to shed blocks versus the run, and outstanding on backside pursuit...fluid athlete with lose hips and quick feet for coverage as needed...coachable player with a strong work ethic.

Weaknesses

Production never quite matched his abilities in college...raw and still a better athlete than football player at this point -- doesn't have natural on-field instincts, and can get caught on fakes and misdirection...gets engulfed in the running game if he lets linemen get their hands on him...lean frame, struggled to carry bulk...got lazy with his technique at times, and would take himself out of plays with poor technique.

Verdict

Mingo is one of the most talented athletes in this draft, but there's a boom/bust quality to him that would give me some slight pause, were I a GM. He's still learning the game, and is a bit raw in his technique and play recognition, and keeping weight on will likely always be an issue. But he's very coachable, with the work ethic to get better at his craft. He'd be at his best in a situation where he can learn from veteran pass-rushers, and might struggle if pressed to start as a rookie. Still, athletes like Mingo rarely make it out of the top 15 of the first round, and he won't.