I know a lot of folks are high on Mingo. I thought he looked awesome in the Spring game. In fact, I just rewatched it again last night - and confirmed he looked awesome. But here's the thing - he's small. Offenses know that a speed rusher is going to try to go around the tackle/TE and use speed to get to the QB. So they are going to take advantage of him with shuffle passes and running plays out of the shotgun. Unless he can stand up to a tackle and hold him off, which I don't think he's big enough/strong enough to do yet. Imagine Mingo trying to hold off Barksdale to stop a running play. I personally think he's at least a year away from serious PT. I think he plays, but I think he's a specialist - obvious passing downs where there's no way the offense can afford to risk a running play.
Yep He has gained a ton of weight for only being with the team a little over a year now but needs more lbs. Obvious passing downs and 3rd down DE in certain circumstances. I think he will stand out of special teams as well.
What weight is he up to now? I agree with these statements. I look for him to be somewhat of an undersized Rahim Alem. Maybe he'll lead a resurgence of the Express package from a few years ago(Though I highly doubt it).
Are we doing the right thing making Mingo a DE? Jack Lambert was a good linebacker, one of the best with the Steelers, and he was tall and thin. Ted Hendricks was tall and thin, made all american in college at DE, then was moved to linebacker and had a hall of fame career at linebacker (nicknamed The Stork). Hendricks was about 6' 4", so was Lambert, both were skinny. So, why switch Mingo to DE, and try to have him bulk up?
In judging defensive ends, burst means more than bulk | Sporting News, The | Find Articles at BNET kearse was playing in the nfl at 240. is mingo that kind of athlete? anyone know his vertical? this article says its the best indicator of explosiveness. the article also includes gregg williams' explanation of why size doesnt matter for a DE.
his wingspan is the other key for him. renaldo turnbull-ish. comparisons with 70s LBs is probably a little obsolete in today's nfl. speed kills. now, speed and size will always beat speed alone. dude is early in his football career, so should be able to add quality bulk over time.
