The Cleveland Browns have traded linebacker Barkevious Mingo to the New England Patriots for a conditional fifth-round pick in 2017. Mingo was the No. 6 overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns although the former LSU Tiger struggled to find a stable role with the team.
The trade doesn’t come a surprise as it’s been well-documented that Mingo had been battling to make the Browns 53-man roster. Mingo found himself receiving the majority of his reps this preseason on special team’s – something unheard of only three seasons removed from being one of the drafts highest selected players.
Folks can point their finger and attempt to blame someone whether it be the coaching staff, the unstable front office or Mingo himself but when it comes down to it the puzzle piece just didn’t fit. Mingo was among the best pass rushers in his class and his blazing speed made him an intriguing pick for the Browns back in 2013. Unfortunately, as Browns fans now know, that wouldn’t translate to the NFL as Mingo failed to find a permanent position or role with the team which ultimately lead to him being traded Thursday.
While many speculated the market was relatively was slim-to-none, NFL expert Ian Rapoport confirmed the market for Mingo did indeed exist. The Patriots gave up a fifth rounder for him – coming as a bit of a shocker – only confirming Rapoport’s claim.
Why was the price for Barkevious Mingo so high? Source informed of the trade said the #Lions also made a play. His market was real.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 25, 2016
Browns’ Executive VP of Football Operations Sashi Brown along with new head coach Hue Jackson have made it crystal clear this team, at last, has a plan in place and are sticking to it. That plan includes building for the future and acquiring as many draft picks as possible.
Already, the Browns had three additional picks in the 2017 NFL Draft and attaining the Patriots fifth-round pick marks four picks outside of their own in next year’s draft. Among those picks, Cleveland owns the Philadelphia Eagles first round choice (Carson Wentz trade), the Tennessee Titans second round selection (draft day trade), the Indianapolis Colts’ seventh round selection and now the Patriots fifth rounder. It’s also worth mentioning the Browns also own the Eagles second round pick in 2018, also from the Wentz trade.
The Cleveland Browns tied the NFL record with 14 selections in the 2016 NFL Draft and it appears they will be just as active in the coming drafts as well. As the team looks to finalize its roster for the regular season there are other notable players to monitor in the coming weeks that are fighting for a roster spot but one in particular – Justin Gilbert, the team’s first round choice in the 2014 NFL Draft who, similarly to Mingo, has struggled to find a permanent role on the team.
Although some were surprised to see New England make a move for the former LSU Tiger, head coach Bill Belichick has a history of acquiring talent that didn’t live up to previous expectations and finding a way to make them successful. For example, Rob Ninkovich, Randy Moss, Mike Vrabel and most recognizable to Browns fans Jabaal Sheard all struggled with their initial team’s but Belichick has a niche for bringing out the best in his players. This move is no different from the others, but the deal is one that more than likely benefits both team’s as the Patriots needed defensive depth and the Browns covet future draft picks.
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