Often Injured Mingo proving worth as bust
Do injuries count when classifying a bust? If so, Barkevious Mingo is well on his way to that label. After being taken sixth overall in the 2013 draft, Mingo has racked up a mediocre seven sacks in two seasons, while sustaining a bevy of injuries.
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It’s clear that being taken that high in the draft brings on a big burden to be an elite pass rusher. Checkout the money Mario Williams, J.J. Watt, and Ndamukong Suh have made for getting to the quarterback. It’s a highly sought after skill.
Related: Why this is Barkevious Mingo’s last chance
For a player trying to prove his worth as a viable NFL starter, Mingo will be gone for what looks like a month after having arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Last season, he played through a torn labrum in his shoulder, and missed some time in his rookie season for a bruised lung.
Injuries aren’t beneficial for anyone, but as a younger player trying to make a name for himself, the mental hurdle can be a bit challenging. There’s no doubt that it stunts growth, as opposed to a veteran who has validated his ability to compete at the NFL level.
No matter what anyone says, nothing replicates experience on the field as oppose to the sidelines. Whether it’s the quarterback or the kicker. Mingo has only missed two games in his first couple seasons, but clearly the perception of his rather thin frame being an issue, has unfortunately been true.
His coverage skills are definitely a plus, but with only a combined 84 tackles in his young career, you would at least expect a bigger impact in the run game.
With his latest injury, It looks like this could very well cut into the beginning of his season, but more importantly, valuable time in training camp and preseason. I think we are all wondering if the real Barkevious Mingo will ever stand up; if only his health will give him the opportunity.
For now, this opens up a door for rookie second-round pick Nate Orchard, who was given high praise on draft day for his pass-rushing ability. Obviously, nobody wishes injury on anyone, but could this Mingo injury be a blessing in disguise? Orchard would be given the experience he needs opposite Paul Kruger, with an excellent secondary behind him.
I don’t want to anoint Orchard a savior just yet, but I think we’re all interested to see what he brings to the table. But to get back to Mingo, let’s hope injuries don’t define his career. At this point though, I don’t think we have a choice but to label him a bust.