Panthers add to WR corps with Jonathan Mingo in 2nd round

The Carolina Panthers selected Ole Miss wide receiver Jonathan Mingo in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 39th overall.

Bolstering the wide receiver depth chart became a priority for the Panthers this offseason after they traded star pass-catcher D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears as part of the deal to acquire the No. 1 pick this year. Carolina used the top selection to land Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.

The Panthers also signed Adam Thielen and DJ Chark this offseason, adding to a wide receivers group that also features 2021 second-round pick Terrace Marshall.

Mingo posted a career year at Ole Miss in 2022, amassing 861 yards (16.9 per catch) and five touchdowns on 51 receptions.

Pre-draft profile

Mingo appears to be rising up draft boards faster than his 4.46 speed, and it's easy to piece together why. Though his production on paper doesn't evoke huge reactions, his athleticism for his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame is astonishing. While Mingo doesn't have top speed in the usual sense, his acceleration is dangerous for a man his size. Combined with his strong hands, ability to create home runs after the catch, and versatility of playing outside or even as a big slot, there's no shortage of qualities to drool over. There's a fair bit of projection needed for the Ole Miss receiver, but if he gets to his ceiling, you don't want to be the team that missed out.