Ole Miss wide receiver Jonathan Mingo drafted by Carolina Panthers in Second Round of 2023 NFL Draft
OXFORD, Miss. — Former Ole Miss wide receiver Jonathan Mingo was drafted with the 8th pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft as the Carolina Panthers selected him No. 39 overall Friday.
Jonathan Mingo to the @Panthers ‼️@ogmingo1k | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/HB3DDdtQeq
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) April 28, 2023
While with the Rebels, Mingo showcased his ability to play a very physical brand of football. The 6-foot-2, 225 pound wideout uses his size and strength both at the line of scrimmage when playing through a defensive back and after the catch, making him a difficult player to tackle for defensive backs.
.@_bryce_young's newest weapon in Carolina: Jonathan Mingo 🔥@OleMissFB | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/PwyqhGsyrB
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2023
He has speed to go along with his size, being clocked at 4.46 in the 40-yard dash.
Mingo started all 13 games in 2022, tying for the team lead with five receiving touchdowns (51-861-16.9). He set a school record with 247 receiving yards against Vanderbilt.
The skinny on Mingo from NFL analyst Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:
“Big, strong slot receiver possessing the mental and physical toughness to outperform his speed limitations…it’s clear he’s put time and effort into his craft. He runs crisp, well-paced routes and ramps up his focus when it’s time to go get the football. A lack of separation burst and long speed could make for more contested catches, but he has the body type and willingness for that work. Mingo can get tough yards after the catch and is an above-average blocker. He has the skill level and demeanor to become a starting slot receiver for teams using 11 personnel (three WRs) as their base offense.”
Believe in the hype 📈@ogmingo1k | #ProMindset pic.twitter.com/Dnq59wdgWD
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) April 25, 2023
Mingo’s Strengths
• Imposing size with muscular build.
• Easy to recognize he spends time on his craft.
• Adequate footwork to slip press.
• Finds his top speed quickly and continues to play at that speed.
• Routes are run with attention to detail.
• Works back aggressively to the throw.
• Stellar ball tracking and catch focus downfield.
• Makes use of his size and strength as run blocker.
Mingo is the first Rebel taken in this year’s draft.
Stay tuned for more news on our NFL Rebels!
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn’s love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
