Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles will want to continue to strengthen the wide receivers corps. As a result, he will meet with All-SEC receiver Jonathan Mingo.
One of the biggest things that Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles did this offseason so far was to give quarterback Justin Fields weapons to work with.
While many people predicted that the Bears could part ways with Fields, Poles showed that he was squarely behind him. He is all-in on Fields and will set him up as best as he can to succeed. He added a top-tier receiver in D.J. Moore. He also added tight end Robert Tonyan so Fields now has two quality tight end targets. In addition, he also acquired Travis Homer, a running back who can be effective in catching passes from the backfield.
Now Fields has a pretty good group of wide receiver targets in Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Chase Claypool. He also has a developing Velus Jones and Equanemious St. Brown.
- Ep. 197: Fields to Pittsburgh, Still Available Free Agentsby Full Press Coverage on March 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Poles could add an All-SEC receiver
Despite having an improved wide receivers corps, Poles wants to strengthen the unit. Mooney and Claypool are in contract years. One or both of them could leave via free agency. To avoid a drop in talent, Poles would want to add a receiver who’d be under control for four seasons.
It was reported that Poles will meet with All-SEC second team wide receiver Jonathan Mingo.
Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo visited with the Steelers and Titans. Here are the other visits he has lined up:
Patriots
Ravens
Cowboys
Bears
Panthers
FalconsMingo ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine last month and had 861 receiving yards/5 TDs for the Rebs this past year
— Jon Sokoloff (@JonSokoloff) March 29, 2023
Mingo is 6-foot-2 and weighs 225 pounds. He has a muscular upper body and a thick lower body. That helps him in a number of ways. With his strength, he can play through press coverage and get open. Once he catches the ball, he is a load to get down. That will be critical in short-yardage situations. It gives the offense the ability to choose between running the ball or just tossing it to him. That keeps the defense on its toes.
Additionally, Mingo can use his strength to be an effective blocker.
Mingo runs nice, crisp routes. He has some speed limitations but his route-running compensates for that. He only has one geat but he gets to it quickly. Also, he does a good job at the run after catch. He can just break tackles and gain extra yards that way.
Mingo is an aggressive receiver who tracks the ball in the air very well. Also, he does a good job of working back to the pass. He will be a good security blanket for Fields should a play break down.
St. Brown was brought back mainly for his blocking ability. Mingo can do that as well as be more of a threat in the passing game. He takes advantage of his size and gets into the mix and throws big blocks. He would also seal an edge well and give the running back a nice hole to run through.
Mingo has been projected anywhere from the third to the fifth round in this draft. He could be in play for Poles. Selecting him would absolutely strengthen an already improved Chicago Bears wide receivers corps.
4.46 at his size is fast enough !