Jonathan Mingo Isn't Your Typical Rookie

A look at the development of Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jonathan Mingo.

When the Carolina Panthers offense takes the field this afternoon in Atlanta, they'll do so with three rookies in the starting lineup - QB Bryce Young, RG Chandler Zavala, and WR Jonathan Mingo.

We've talked about Bryce quite a bit and just a few days ago, I did a piece on Zavala's journey from picking up football late in high school to starting in his first-ever NFL game. This morning, we give our attention to Jonathan Mingo, who has been impressing just about every person in the Panthers' building. 

"I think I talked about this when I first talked to the media is how impressed I was with him and the other rookies, obviously, and how fast they kind of caught on," said fellow wide receiver Adam Thielen. "But with that being said, yeah, he's come a long ways. He just feels like he's been doing this for longer than just his rookie year. There's a reason why he's a starter and why he's going to be a big part of this offense and that's ability to come in and prove that from day one.

"I always talk to young guys about when you are able to show that versatility, it just creates more opportunities for you. The coaches can move him around and they can put more on his plate. When you're a young guy and you're a one-trick pony and you can only do one position or only do one thing or you don't understand the playbook, it's hard for coaches to give you opportunities no matter how skilled you are and how talented you are. For him, I think there's going to be a lot of opportunities because of how mature he is and his approach to the game, and his knowledge of the game."

Mingo's maturity is the first thing everyone talks about. He's a grown man on the field and off of it. He takes care of his body, is detailed in his note-taking, and just acts like someone who is well beyond his years.

"Obviously we brought him in for a reason. He's been a true pro from day one," offensive coordinator Thomas Brown stated. "It's always interesting from a dynamic standpoint when you bring in rookies, trying to figure out who's mature and who is not mature. He operates like he's a third or fourth-year vet as far as his overall demeanor."

"I've been very impressed," wide receiver DJ Chark said. "He reminds me more of a second-year player than a rookie. His talent speaks for itself but his demeanor. The way that he comes in and works. His maturity. I can only speak highly of him and I'm excited to be on the team with him and be able to develop a relationship with a guy like that and being able to have conversations that don't feel like I'm talking to a kid or a rookie because he's definitely much more than that."

One thing about Mingo that has really impressed Chark is his ability to learn and fully grasp the playbook. He told me that when he was a rookie he had some troubles with it early on and didn't get it down as early as Mingo has. Knowing what you're doing on every single play as well as what everyone else is doing, allows you to play fast and make plays. 

"I feel like me saying what his potential is would be putting a cap on him," Chark continued. "Time will tell what he can truly be but I definitely think he'll be a great receiver. I don't want to put a ceiling on what he can do. He's already a playmaker."

With DJ Chark ruled out for today's game and Adam Thielen tabbed as questionable, Mingo will have a chance to make a statement right out of the gate.

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