Cowboys reveal draft grade on recent acquisition Jonathan Mingo

Jonathan Mingo was someone the Dallas Cowboys liked in the 2023 NFL Draft, and Mike McCarthy just revealed how high they had him graded.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys are taking a lot of heat for their deadline day trade. Looking to improve their stagnant offense, the Cowboys sent a fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for second-year wideout Jonathan Mingo.

Critics are bashing the value Jerry Jones surrendered, especially when compared to the compensation sent for veteran wideouts such as Diontae Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins. The difference is that Mingo is on an affordable rookie deal and the Cowboys believe he has long-term upside.

MORE:Cowboys' Jonathan Mingo puts veteran wide receiver on roster bubble

They also liked him a lot coming out of Ole Miss. Head coach Mike McCarthy said as much when he stated they were trusting their draft board on a player they saw as a third-round talent just one year ago.

Mike McCarthy said the Cowboys are trusting their draft grades when it comes to new WR Jonathan Mingo. He’s yet to meet with Mingo but likes the talent. I’m told the Cowboys had a third round grade on Mingo, who was a top 30 visitor to The Star in 2023.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) November 6, 2024

Mingo has the ideal frame for the position at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. During his senior season, he recorded 861 yards and five touchdowns on 51 receptions.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Carolina selected Mingo 39th overall and he gave them 418 yards on 43 receptions as a rookie. Through nine games in 2024, he has just 12 catches for 121 yards.

Mingo is still looking for his first NFL touchdown, which McCarthy surely hopes to see happen quickly for his new team.

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