30 Days of Colts' Fits: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

The 2023 NFL Draft is officially just under a month away. In order to help you all along until draft day, I decided to start a daily prospect spotlight series to talk about some players that the Colts could target next month.

The players mentioned in this series will be players that I have either heard that the team is really high on or are players that just make way too much sense for the team based on fit/past draft history.

Next up on the countdown to Draftmas is Ole Miss wide receiver Jonathan Mingo.

Background

Jonathan Mingo is a former three star recruit that chose to attend Ole Miss over offers from Georgia and Mississippi State. He had an immediate impact during his true freshman season at the school, hauling in 12 receptions for 172 yards and a touchdown as a reserve.

Mingo made his way into the starting lineup as a sophomore, starting eight of the team's 10 games on the year. He was able to improve his statistical output from the year prior, catching 27 passes for 379 yards and three touchdowns in his second season.

While he missed seven games due to an injury as a junior, Mingo was highly productive in the games that he did suit up for. In just six games played, he caught 22 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns on the season.

Mingo saved his best season for last in 2022. He exploded on to the scene with 51 receptions for 861 yards and five touchdowns. He earned Second Team All-SEC honors for his strong play as well. Mingo was invited to the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl after the season, where he dominated the event with his combination of size and speed.

One hot name emerging right now in league coaching circles is @OleMissFB Jonathan Mingo.

WR coaches have Mingo graded higher than many being mocked in Round 1.

220-pound men aren’t supposed to have these feet.👀

Disrespectful RZ rep here from @seniorbowl 1-on-1’s:

🧵 1/2 pic.twitter.com/dMKL9inqVO
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 31, 2023

Size/Testing

Height:

6'2"

Weight:

220 pounds

Arm Length:

32.125 inches

Testing Numbers:

40 Time: 4.46 seconds / Bench Press: 22 reps / Vertical Jump: 39.5 inches / Broad Jump: 129 inches

High praise from @gregcosell on @RossTuckerNFL football podcast for Jonathan Mingo. He mentions that he "stylistically,” & in terms of deployment reminds him of Deebo Samuel & AJ Brown. #NFLDraft2023 https://t.co/0z9Zfvh5Wk pic.twitter.com/0kUyJYyEkR
— Nik Athans (@NewEnglandNik) March 30, 2023

Ability on Film

Jonathan Mingo is a power slot receiver that brings so much versatility and juice to an offense. He may be one of the more well-rounded players in this class, as he has experience playing both outside and in the slot. On top of that, he is one of the best blocking receivers in the class and was even moved into the sniffer tight end role at times for Ole Miss.

Mingo is a massive receiver with the explosion and foot speed to pull away from defenders on deep passing plays. He may not be a pure deep threat type of receiver, but he has plenty of speed to win over the top on occasion.

pic.twitter.com/joey88PtEt
— Not Zach’s Burner (@NotZachsBurner1) March 31, 2023

Mingo was essentially moved into the slot in week eight of this past season. His new role led to him seeing a ton of bubble screens and some quick hitters over the middle. His size and physicality are well suited for this type of role at the next level.

pic.twitter.com/U2JNuCgXHK
— Not Zach’s Burner (@NotZachsBurner1) March 31, 2023

Mingo excels at the little things when it comes to route running. He possesses great hands against press coverage and understands that he is a big receiver that can win with pure physicality. He has that dog mentality that you need in an NFL power slot:

I'm a huge Jonathan Mingo fan in this NFL Draft process. Explosive big bodied WR with a lot of good things on film.

Also love his versatility. Basically switched to slot receiver in week 8 last year and didn't miss a beat. Also the top blocking WR in the class pic.twitter.com/WWIJ69wGkp
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) March 31, 2023

Just as an added topping to the profile, Mingo is a phenomenal run blocker. He is a major asset to the ground game and basically serves as an extra tight end on the football field.

pic.twitter.com/vHyQYWDkZB
— Not Zach’s Burner (@NotZachsBurner1) March 31, 2023

Fit with the Colts/Team Interest

The Indianapolis Colts are moving to a vertical passing offense with the hiring of Shane Steichen. While the team did go out and add a speedster in Isaiah McKenzie, they could use another young pass catcher to threaten the defense at all levels.

Jonathan Mingo is the classic Chris Ballard type of wide receiver. He is massive and physical player that is explosive and dangerous down the field. He may not be the classic "above the rim" style of player that Ballard has coveted in the past, but his game is well suited to go in the slot alongside Michael Pittman Jr and Alec Pierce.

While there hasn't been an official meeting reported between the Colts and Mingo, Colts' Offensive Quality Control Coach Brian Bratton did coach the receivers at the Senior Bowl this offseason. The main standout in his group was none other than Jonathan Mingo.

Overall, Mingo is a gifted power slot player in this deep wide receiver class that checks off all the boxes for the Colts.

Learn more about Jonathan Mingo and so much more by pre-ordering the Indy Draft Guide!

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— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) February 14, 2023

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