Barkevious Mingo is undeniably talented -- maybe the most talented player in this year’s NFL draft -- but at LSU he was a 230-pound defensive end. And there aren’t many 230-pound defensive ends in the NFL.
So that’s why Mingo has been bulking up over the last six weeks. And Mingo says he’s getting significant results.
“The most important thing, I think, to show is that I’ve increased weight -- putting on a lot of weight, putting on a lot of size,” Mingo said on NFL AM. “I’m weighing 245 now. I played most of the season at 230.”
Despite that weight gain, Mingo says he has actually gotten faster, and he wants NFL teams to know he’ll be able to play either defensive end or outside linebacker in the pros.
“I think I can do it all,” Mingo said. “I’ve been working on linebacking skills, driving back in coverage -- that was something I was lacking at LSU. Working on getting my hands better.”
Mingo is widely viewed as a Top 10 pick. If he shows at the Scouting Combine that he really is bigger and faster, he’ll solidify that status.