Carolina Panthers select Jonathan Mingo in second round of 2023 NFL Draft

Former Ole Miss wideout Jonathan Mingo has now joined the ranks of fellow former Rebel wide receivers AJ Brown and DK Metcalf, as he’s an NFL receiver — though with a ways to go before he’s on their levels. But he’ll have a chance to prove he’s worthy of a spot with the Carolina Panthers, who selected Mingo with the No. 39 pick of the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Mingo spent four years at Ole Miss, popping most in his senior year in 2022 and working his way on to the radars of NFL scouts and front office personnel. He had 51 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games last year.

On his career, Mingo played in 41 games for the Rebels, catching 112 passes for 1758 yards and 12 touchdowns.

And on his day, Mingo can be dangerously good. He torched Vanderbilt for nine receptions, two touchdowns and 247 yards — all career highs — on Oct. 8 last year.

Mingo was sought-after as a recruit. Playing at Brandon (MS) High School, Mingo picked up a four-star rating in the Class of 2019. He was the No. 213 player in his class and the No. 34 wide receiver. He chose in-state Ole Miss over Georgia, Notre Dame, Auburn, Oregon and numerous other schools.

And after playing football in Mississippi his whole life, Mingo has taken the biggest step of his career at the 2023 NFL Draft.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Mingo

The verdict on Mingo seems to be a solid one: He projects to be a long-time pro, with the potential to be a starter and maybe even more. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein broke down how Mingo fits in at the next level.

“Big, strong slot receiver possessing the mental and physical toughness to outperform his speed limitations. The career production is nothing special, but it’s clear he’s put time and effort into his craft. He runs crisp, well-paced routes and ramps up his focus when it’s time to go get the football. A lack of separation burst and long speed could make for more contested catches, but he has the body type and willingness for that work,” Zierlein said. “Mingo can get tough yards after the catch and is an above-average blocker. He has the skill level and demeanor to become a starting slot receiver for teams using 11 personnel (three WRs) as their base offense.”

Zierlein has a few nits to pick with Mingo’s game, largely things related to his lack of downfield separation or real juice. But those are mostly quibbles when considered against the value Mingo can provide to the right passing offense.