Developing SEC WR Could Be a Sleeper Draft Pickup for Saints

A closer look at an SEC wideout that's been a late riser up the draft boards and could add a physical presence to the New Orleans receiving corps.

One of the things that set the New Orleans Saints offense apart from most between 2016 and 2019 was the presence of WR Michael Thomas. A second-round pick out of Ohio State in 2016, Thomas had at least 92 receptions and 1,100 yards over his first four seasons. His 2019 campaign was one for the ages, where Thomas led the league with 1,725 yards on an NFL-record 149 catches.

The physical Thomas was a nearly unstoppable intermediate weapon with his sure hands and elite route precision. His historic statistical production was helped by the fact that he missed just one of a possible 69 contests. 

Since 2020, Thomas has appeared in just 10 of 50 games because of foot injuries. Without him, the Saints passing attack struggled. Even with the emergence of first-round choice Chris Olave and undrafted rookie Rashid Shaheed last season, the physicality of Thomas was missed over the last 14 games. 

To the surprise of some, Thomas will return to the Saints in 2023 after agreeing to a reworked contract. New Orleans also signed big-bodied WR Bryan Edwards in free agency as injury insurance. Still, the Saints may consider adding another big wideout in the draft.

WR - Jonathan Mingo 

Mississippi (Sr.)

6'2" 220-Lbs.

Oct 8, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (1) breaks away for a 71 yard touchdown catch against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV - USA TODAY Sports

Because of a deep crew of wideouts on the Mississippi depth chart, Mingo was a minor contributor his first two years. He had 12 catches for 172 yards and a score in seven games as a freshman in 2019, then 27 catches for 379 yards and 3 scores during a 10-game 2020.

Expected to take over for an NFL-bound Elijah Moore in 2021, Mingo missed seven games with a foot injury. He had 15 receptions for 290 yards in the year's first three games before being sidelined and finished with 22 catches for 346 yards. Finally able to put together a full season in 2022, Mingo pulled in 51 passes for 861 yards and five touchdowns. 

Mingo showcased well at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. A 1.54 10-yard split, 39'5" vertical jump, and 10'9" broad jump ranked near the top of all participating receivers. His 4.46 also ranked in the top 20, all the more impressive when given his size.

Critics will point to Mingo's fairly unimpressive production, especially when playing in Lane Kiffin's wide-open Mississippi attack. The Rebels offense also doesn't ask their receivers to run a wide variety of routes, preferring to spread the field and run a lot of simple isolation. 

Despite timing well and great measurables, Mingo has never shown great separation on the field. He doesn't have the top-end speed or second gear to be a consistent deep threat. He'll also have to prove that he has the elusiveness and foot quickness to escape the press from corners who can match his physicality. 

Mingo has a rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism that is going to entice NFL clubs. Some scouts have compared him to DK Metcalf, another former Mississippi product.  Like Metcalf, Mingo relishes the physical aspect of the game and will challenge defensive backs on every play.

A precise route runner, Mingo showed great improvement in that area each year. He'll simply power through press coverage often and will use his imposing physicality as an advantage in traffic. His outstanding focus on contested throws give his quarterback the confidence to go to him in any situation. 

Mingo is extremely dangerous after the catch. He consistently turned short plays into big gains, making him a weapon on WR screens and jet sweeps. Mingo's route precision should also allow him to play in the slot or outside at the next level. 

Ole Miss receiver Jonathan Mingo (1) catches a pass in front of Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2). Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY

Jonathan Mingo is probably a late Day 2 or early Day 3 selection. His lack of collegiate production is concerning, but his combination of physicality and route precision may tempt a team to take him earlier. 

Mingo should make an immediate impact as a weapon on short passes and end arounds while he develops his NFL route tree. His physical style of play and ability after the catch could also provide a strong backup to Michael Thomas for the New Orleans offense. 

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