NFL Great Steve Smith Sr. High On Rebels WR Jonathan Mingo's Upside In Pros
In this story:
Steve Smith Sr. knows a thing or two about playing receiver in the NFL. His five Pro Bowl nods and two All-Pro honors would likely serve as a resume starter when talking ball.
Smith is looking for the next diamond in the rough pass-catcher at the next level. Coming out of Utah, the former Carolina Panthers star had to work his way up the depth chart as a third-round pick.
Ole Miss receiver Jonathan Mingo might have a few inches and pounds on him, but his impact in the slot could make teams keen on drafting him during the middle of Day 2. Smith, who heard his name called at pick No. 74, gave his seal of approval on Mingo being a difference-maker in the pros.
"He's just consistent," Smith said via Underdog Fantasy. "Over and over again, he just continues to make plays. He's a bowling ball. He will run around you. He will run through you. Teams are starting to pick up on his and [are] knowing and understanding he will bring something to the table that you will not expect."
Mingo broke out as the Rebels' leading receiver in 2022. In 12 games, the 6-2 220-pound playmaker totaled 51 passes for 861 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 16.9 yards per play.
Predominantly a slot receiver, Mingo uses his size and footwork to win at the point of attack. Against Alabama's Brian Branch and Texas A&M's Antonio Johnson, Mingo recorded 11 catches for 148 yards and two TDs. Johnson and Branch are projected to be top 50 selections after stellar campaigns in hybrid safeties.
Smith, who found most of his success in Carolina on the outside, believes that Mingo's combination speed and muscular frame helps him win at the point of attack in coverage against defensive backs. Smith also is high on Mingo's ability to play through contact, especially when asked to play against press coverage.
"This kid can run," Smith said of Mingo's 4.46 40-time. "He knows how to work. At times he'll allow the cornerback to get his hands on him, but it really doesn't matter because his intermediate route game is extremely high."
Mingo's draft stock remains a mystery among draft pundits heading into the first round Thursday night. Several recent mock drafts have seen Mingo draw buzz in the middle of the second round. Others have him likely coming off the board at the start of Day 3.
NFL Network's Peter Schrager released his mock draft last week that had Mingo landing 29th overall to the New Orleans Saints, citing the NFC South franchise as an ideal location due to Mingo's size and catch radius in a pass-heavy offense led by former Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr.
"Mingo is not as polished as some other wideouts in this class, and not every scout is a fan, but many in the coaching community seem to love him," Schrager wrote.
Smith, who spent 16 seasons in the pros, understands what it takes to carve out a successful career. He is certain Mingo is on his way to a promising start at the next level.
Mingo is one of several Rebels expected to be selected this weekend. Others include running back Zach Evans, linebacker Tony Brown, offensive lineman Nick Broeker and defensive lineman Tavius Robinson.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rebels? Click Here.
Follow The Grove Report On Facebook and Twitter.
Want even more Ole Miss Rebels News? Check out the SI.com team page here
