Barkevious Mingo

The 2016 campaign figures to be a "prove-it" season for Mingo (drafted sixth overall in 2013), as the Browns declined to pick up his fifth-year option and then dealt him to the Patriots in August. Mingo has approached this critical season well, though, at least so far, as he arrived at camp significantly bulked up and showed well when Cleveland DC Ray Horton has moved him to different alignments. With New England, he'll give his new team added edge-rushing depth.

If nothing else, Mingo has been consistent in his first two NFL season, racking up exactly 42 combined tackles in each of them. Expectations are a bit higher for the former No. 6 overall pick heading into 2015, however, as he's an early favorite to take hold of a starting outside linebacker job. If that comes to fruition, the 24-year-old will represent a high-upside pick in IDP leagues, as he has the ability to rack up tackles and create disruption from the outside as a pass rusher. Mingo did undergo shoulder surgery in the offseason, but he is fully expected to be healthy at the start of training camp.

Mingo didn't quite live up to expectations after the Browns drafted him in the first round in 2013, but he has the skill set to make an impact at this level. He was asked to put on some weight during the offseason, which could potentially help him become a more formidable pass rusher. Mingo still has quite a bit of upside at just 23 years old, and could warrant some IDP consideration if can continue to improve in his sophomore campaign.

Mingo enters the NFL as a high first-round draft pick, but his immediate role with the Browns will be as a backup and passing-situation specialist. With the team moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4 alignment their aim is to convert former end Jabaal Sheard to outside linebacker and Paul Kruger was signed in free agency to man the other starting spot. Though Mingo's production in his three years at LSU was underwhelming, 15 sacks and 29 tackles-for-loss, he does possess the raw athletic potential to become a sack specialist down the road. He's an interesting player to keep an eye on in long-term, dynasty-style formats and he adds an extra element to the Browns' unit for the upcoming season.