Cleveland Browns: Barkevious Mingo traded to Patriots

The Cleveland Browns are trading former first-round pick Barkevious Mingo to the New England Patriots.

While the Cleveland Browns continue to prepare for Friday night’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, one player will be heading north.

2013 first-round pick Barkevious Mingo is reportedly heading to the New England Patriots, according to both ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

No one ever questioned Mingo’s work ethic, but his skill set never fit into what the Browns were trying to run on defense. He was not helped by the constant turnover in the coaching department, so a fresh start in New England may be what he needs to succeed.

The Browns declined Mingo’s fifth-year option earlier this year, setting the stage for him to be let go at some point if the coaches did not see him as a major contributor for years to come.

Related Story: What is Mingo's true value

Mingo, a former LSU Tiger, was selected sixth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Browns. Nine players from that year’s first round have made the Pro Bowl. Mingo is not one of them.

His role as a smaller outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense led to him lacking the power needed to be an effective pass rusher, or even someone who can disrupt the run game.

He joins the list of failed first-round picks selected by Browns general managers of the past. Aside from Justin Gilbert, Joe Haden and Joe Thomas are the only first-round picks selected before 2015 to still be on the roster.

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This is a trend looking to be broken by the current front office, with the selection of Corey Coleman looking to be a great first step to taking long-term talent early in the draft. Players like Mingo are unfortunate casualties to the Browns’ new process, but fans should only wish him the best as he looks to jumpstart his career with the New England Patriots.