On Mingo

 

I'll admit I was nervous when the Browns came onto the clock yesterday.  I would've been okay with Milliner, and okay with a trade down.  But I was not surprised, and I was not upset in the least, when they announced the pick of Barkevious Mingo.  I was happy in a way, because it was a good first pick by Banner and Lombardi.  They understand the need to get to the quarterback, and that's where they've built this entire offseason.  Adding Mingo to Kruger, Groves, and Sheard gives the Browns some legitimate edge rushers.  Pair that with Taylor, Desmond Bryant, Rubin, Winn and Hughes and the Browns should be able to have a fresh defensive front with some serious young talent.  Successful teams are able to get to the quarterback, and with a defensive coordinator like Ray Horton, who is known as one of the best, most creative, and most aggressive coaches in the NFL, the Browns front should give a lot of teams problems.  I'm sure there are experts who don't like the pick, I'm sure there are fans that don't like the pick.  I love the pick, I think it's the right way to build.

Mingo was used as a hand in the ground defensive end at LSU.  He was responsible for contain in most of LSU's defensive looks.  He was not an ears pinned back pass rusher like a Jarvis Jones, and his stats look underwhelming because of that.  However the same argument I used for Dion Jordan I'll use for Mingo.  There are only so many people on the planet who are that big, fast, and athletic.  I heard the Browns liked Mingo better than Jordan.  If you only watch one of the videos here - watch the Clemson game, where he was basically turned loose.  He's the first one off the ball on almost every play, uses counter moves to set up the tackle, and shows explosion and burst.  Horton should have a blast developing a player with this kind of athleticism.

 

The argument against the pick is "Who is going to play corner?"  I do believe the Browns will select a cornerback, either tonight or tomorrow.  If that player can't come in and start, then it'll be Chris Owens.  Or they'll sign someone, like a Quintin Jammer or Jacob Lacey.  I do know it's easier to play corner when you're getting pressure on the QB, and that even the best corners get beat by quarterbacks who have all day to throw.

Long story short I really like the pick.  I think it was the right move, and I'm looking forward to watching Barkevious, Paul Kruger, and Jabaal Sheard getting after the quarterback.  It should be a slow day today unless the Browns can add picks, and I'd look for a corner or safety in the third.  Maybe David Amerson, Leon McFadden or Jordan Poyer.