It really wasn't all that long ago that the Cleveland Browns selected sleek pass rusher Barkevious Mingo in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, though after three seasons of mostly disappointing production, you'll forgive Browns fans if they're already sick of Mingo. And with a new regime, headed by Sashi Brown and Hue Jackson on their way in, it really wouldn't be surprising to see a guy like Mingo headed out the door. But Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton Jr. isn't ready to give up on the LSU product, though he's not yet certain of where the lanky Mingo will line up. Horton told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com that Mingo's role will be "different than in the past," but offered little in the way of specifics.
Really, there's few conclusions to draw from that, but with Horton also suggesting that the team has to find a way to utilize Mingo's "God-given ability," it seems to make the most sense that Mingo will get back to rushing the passer first and foremost.
Mingo, supremely talented though he may be, has failed to make his mark at the pro level as much because of injury issues as the manner in which the Browns deployed him. Mingo suffered a shoulder injury in 2014 that, while it only robbed him of one game, limited his effectiveness. This past season, Mingo injured his knee and missed about a month of time. He finished the year with just 24 tackles and no sacks.
With Horton in town, Mingo's role looks likely to be that of a stand up, edge linebacker. Horton has had great success utilizing players with unique skillsets like Mingo in the past and has shown an ability to scheme sacks even with lesser talent. During his previous stop in Cleveland Horton's team finished ninth in the league in total defense. And last season in Tennessee, Horton's unit wound up collecting the sixth-most sacks per pass play in the league.
With Mingo entering the final year of his rookie deal, 2016 marks a make or break season for him in the NFL. With Horton as his guiding hand, there may be no better - or really, other - opportunity for him to shine than here and now.
