Barkevious Mingo to Patriots: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

The Cleveland Browns traded linebacker and former first-round draft pick Barkevious Mingo to the New England Patriots on Thursday.

The Browns announced the trade, adding they will receive a 2017 fifth-round pick from the Patriots.

ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report the news. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Mingo will join the Patriots on Thursday night.

The Detroit Lions also "made a play" for Mingo, according to Rapoport. 

Per Schefter, linebacker Rob Ninkovich could miss the start of the regular season for the Pats due to a torn triceps muscle, which would create a pass-rushing opening.

Mingo was the sixth pick in the 2013 draft, but he never developed into the every-down impact player on the defensive side the Browns were looking for when they selected the former LSU Tigers standout.

He played in 15 games in each of his first two seasons with the Browns and notched seven sacks and 55 solo tackles. He was often a non-factor during the 2015 campaign, though, and he didn’t tally a single sack.

The physical skills are still in place at 6’4” and 240 pounds, and Mingo's new team will take note of his scouting report as it attempts to maximize his talent.

Mingo is an explosive edge-rusher with the athleticism to beat single-blocking schemes and the physicality to stuff running plays. What’s more, his straight-line speed allows him to cover running backs and tight ends in passing situations and chase down plays from behind. There is value in an edge-rusher who can also do that in this pass-first league.

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk noted Mingo “hasn’t always looked like a great fit for what the Browns want to do on defense” when discussing the lack of production compared to his skill set.

The Browns appear to be in rebuilding mode, and after deciding against picking up Mingo's fifth-year player option, he is set to be a free agent next offseason.

While Mingo didn't work out in Cleveland, the Patriots have a penchant for getting the most out of players and having success with reclamation projects.

Plus, with Ninkovich, Jabaal Sheard, Shea McClellin and Chris Long already on the roster at outside linebacker, there won't be a ton of pressure on Mingo, and he will be able to contribute in situations that fit his skill set.