2013 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Predicting Picks 11-21
By Baily Deeter
November 10, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
15. New Orleans Saints-Barkevious Mingo, LB, LSU
In 2012, the New Orleans Saints quite possibly had the worst defense of all-time.
New Orleans allowed about every team they faced to light them up. In Robert Griffin III’s debut, he and the Redskins dropped 40 points on a helpless Saints defense, and the Saints finished the season by allowing 44 points to the Panthers. New Orleans ranked 25th in sacks with fewer than two per game, and Mingo recorded 12.5 sacks in his final two seasons with LSU. Mingo is 6’4 and weighs 241 pounds, so he can help stop power runners.
Any defensive player can help the Saints, but Mingo would be a great fit in New Orleans’ new 3-4 defense. Mingo’s 40-yard dash time was 4.58, which is extremely fast. He has the raw tools to help a team in dire need of defensive help, and the Saints are that team. Mingo has the speed and strength to play outside linebacker, and he has the potential to become a valuable pass-rusher.