March 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton answers questions from reporters during the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints season did not go anything like they wanted it to. After the Bounty Gate scandal came to light and Sean Peyton got suspended, the Saints seemed to fall apart. The Saints offense was still outstanding, but that was to be expected with Drew Brees at the QB position and all the weapons they have on offense. However, their defense gave up the most yards per game in the NFL and the 2nd most points in the NFL. The Saints defense had the 6th least sacks in the NFL with 30 and they switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 this year. On top of them not being able to get to the QB, their secondary was horrible. Roman Harper was a liability and Malcolm Jenkins wasn’t much better. They signed Keenan Lewis in the offseason who should help with their CB situation.

Oct 27, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones (29) sacks Florida Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) at EverBank Field. The Bulldogs won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Jarvis Jones – One of the best pass rushers in the draft and was an absolute playmaker at Georgia. The Saints couldn’t get to the QB last year and they had players that fit their scheme then. With the switch to the 3-4, Martez Wilson, Junior Galette and Victor Butler are their only pass rush options. Jones has as much ability as any pass rusher in this draft, if not for his medical red flags he is probably a top 5 pick. Jones has enough flexibility to dip under the OT and get around him to the QB. Also athletic enough to drop into coverage and is very adept at forcing turnovers. Doesn’t have a lot of room for additional mass on his body.

September 29, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) during a game against the Towson Tigers at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Towson 38-22. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Barkevious Mingo – Another pass rush option for the Saints. Mingo has one of the quickest jumps off the snap that I have ever seen. Mingo is a great athlete, but he needs to get bigger. His body has plenty of room for that growth. He has great flexibility to dip under the arms of the OT and get to the QB. He has very long arms that he can get up and get into the passing lanes.  Mingo has an amazing upside that is as high as anyone else in this draft. He does need to add some muscle to his frame, but that shouldn’t be a problem once he gets into an NFL strength program. He also isn’t very good against the run or in coverage. Will probably have to be used much like Bruce Irvin was this past year.

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

In 2010 the Buccaneers were one of the surprise teams in the league when they went 10-6. However, in 2011 they couldn’t follow that success up and seen a dramatic drop in Josh Freemans play and their defense, which caused them to go 4-12. Then last year they rebounded some when they went 7-9. Part of the reason they were 3 games better this season was the key additions they added to their team in free agency and the draft. They signed Vincent Jackson who made the pro bowl and Carl Nicks who is one of the best OGs in the league. In the draft they also added Mark Barron who played well at safety, Doug Martin who made the pro bowl at RB and Lavonte David at LB who was in the running for DROY. Josh Freeman also played better this year. They still had the worst pass defense in the league and they lost some key players in Michael Bennett, Roy Miller and Eric Wright is suspended to begin the year.

Nov 17, 2012; College Park, MD, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Xavier Rhodes (27) prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Rhodes – The Buccaneers were dead last year in passing yards given up per game. They traded Aqib Talib to the Patriots last year and Eric Wright is suspended to start the year. E.J. Biggers also signed with the Washington Redskins this offseason. Xavier Rhodes is a big, strong, physical CB who excels at press coverage. Rhodes has very good ball skills, showing good instincts and is confident that he can make a play on the ball. Is strong in the run game, has the ability to shed blocks and tackle the ball carrier in space. He does get overaggressive in his coverage at times, being too physical down the field which can result in pass interference and illegal contact penalties.

Sep 15, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Desmond Trufant (6) prior to the game against the Portland State Vikings at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Desmond Trufant – Trrufant has shown that he faster and a better athlete than many thought that he was with his 4.38 40 time at the combine. Trufant also has very fluid footwork and has shown the quickness and ability to drive on the football. He is physical when the ball is in the air and he fights for the ball very well. However, that physical nature doesn’t carry over to the run game. He isn’t very good at wrapping up the ball carrier and doesn’t have elite strength to bring bigger ball carriers down. He is a different type of CB than Rhodes, so it just depends on what type of CB the Buccaneers want.

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins haven’t had a true franchise QB since Dan Marino retired. Their front office finally thinks they have one in Ryan Tannehill. While they let Reggie Bush go to the Lions this offseason and Jake Long to the Rams, they got him some weapons in deep ball threat Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson, along with resigning Brian Hartline. On defense they replaced Kevin Burnett and Karlos Dansby with Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe. They also lost their starting CB Sean Smith to the Chiefs. The Dolphins went 7-9 last year and 5-3 at home. The road wins should come with more experience for Tannehill along with him getting some weapons on the outside.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad offensive lineman Lane Johnson of Oklahoma (69) against the Senior Bowl north squad during the first half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Lane Johnson – The Dolphins selected an OT last year in the draft in Jonathan Martin, however they still had Jake Long to pair with him last year. Long has since moved on to the Rams and the Dolphins have a hole at OT. Martin played well when he filled in for Long at LT so they can either move him there or if they feel more comfortable with him at RT they can instantly plug Johnson in at LT. Johnson is the most athletic OT that will be taken in the first round and would be an instant starter on the Dolphins. This will help keep Tannehill upright long enough to hit Wallace on those deep throws.

Sept 22, 2012; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Xavier Rhodes (27) during the game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Rhodes – Last year the Dolphins traded off their best corner in Vontae Davis. Well this year they again let their best corner go, this time Sean Smith signed with the Chiefs in free agency. They still have Richard Marshall coming back, but he just isn’t that good. Rhodes can come in and from day one compete physically. He already has a NFL body and is as physical as any CB in this draft. He likes to press and keep his hands on the WR all the way down the field. He fights for position and the ball very well. He can be a little over aggressive at times which can cause him to get pass interference and illegal contact penalties.

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers have really underachieved the last 3 seasons. They have gotten worse every season, from 9-7 to 8-8 to 7-9 last year. Philip Rivers hasn’t seemed like himself the last 2 years, but that can be attributed to other things as well. The offensive line is really bad. They might have had the worst set of tackles and outside of Louis Vasquez the entire line was pretty bad. Sadly, Vasquez signed with the Broncos this offseason. The player with the most sacks on their team last year, Shaun Phillips, is currently a free agent and Melvin Ingram needs to improve a lot to be an impact player next year. The Broncos improved this offseason and the Chiefs have made great strides, the Chargers need to get some impact players to keep up with those 2 teams.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad offensive lineman Lane Johnson of Oklahoma (69) against the Senior Bowl north squad during the first half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Lane Johnson – Johnson showed off his athletic ability at the combine by running the 2nd fastest time for an offensive lineman ever. As I mentioned earlier, the Chargers had possible the worst pair of offensive linemen in the league. The Chargers gave up the 4th most sacks in the league last year, allowing Rivers to be sacked 49 times. Rivers can’t be the elite QB he was in his first few years if he can’t stay upright. Also Johnson could help open up some running lanes for Ryan Matthews, who only averaged 3.8 ypc last year.

Sep 1, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman Chance Warmack (65) blocks during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Cowboys Stadium. Alabama won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Chance Warmack – The Chargers lost their best offensive lineman last year in Louis Vasquez to the Broncos. Chance Warmack is the #1 player on a lot of teams boards and would be a steal at the 11th pick in the draft. Warmack could come in and start from day 1. He is strong and would be a great player to help open up hole for Ryan Matthews to get him going next season. He could also help keep Rivers upright, which is an absolute must next year. He has All-Pro potential and could be the best OG in the league in a couple years.

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager John Idzik speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

To say it was a circus in New York last year might be the understatement of the year. The Jets were a circus and on top of that they were just a really bad team. Both of the problems originated from the QB position too. Mark Sanchez is a really bad QB and a big reason why the Jets are picking 9th in the draft. The circus was mostly caused by the presence of Tim Tebow on the team. His fans wanted him to come in a play since Sanchize was so bad. Rex Ryan didn’t want him and refused to play him, picking Greg McElroy to start over Tebow. On top of all that, they couldn’t run the ball very well and their defense just wasn’t very good either. They have a lot of work to do if they don’t want to finish in the cellar of the AFC East this year.

September 29, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) during a game against the Towson Tigers at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Towson 38-22. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Barkevious Mingo -The Jets were tied for the 6th least sacks in the NFL with 30 sacks. Calvin Pace couldn’t get to the QB at all last year so he was cut. They signed Antwan Barnes but he has only had 1 season of over 5 sacks. Mingo would give them an extremely athletic guy who would end up being one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. He is extremely quick off of the snap and knows how to get by his man. He is limited in the run game because of his size, but could add some muscle to his frame which should help. He also doesn’t have much experience dropping into coverage so that would need to be worked on.

Nov 12, 2011; Stanford CA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Dion Jordan (96) lines up for a play against the Stanford Cardinal during the third quarter at Stanford Stadium. Oregon defeated Stanford 53-30. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Dion Jordan – Jordan is an athletic freak. All the reason I listed for the Jets possibly drafting Mingo, the same can be said for Jordan. Jordan isn’t as quick off of the snap as Mingo, however he is a much more versatile player. Jordan is a former WR and TE who knows how to play in space. He has very fluid hips and is experience in coverage, having the ability to cover TEs and RBs. Jordan has a shoulder injury and had surgery in the offseason but he should be ready for camp and it shouldn’t give him any lingering problems.

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals started out 4-0 this year, surprising everyone with wins over New England and Philadelphia in weeks 2 and 3. They then proceeded however, to lose their next 9 games and 11 out of their last 12 to finish the season 5-11. Their defense was very good last year, finishing 12th in the league, but if they had even a halfway decent offense it probably would have been higher. Saying the QB situation last year was a disaster is a disgrace to the word disaster. The Cardinals released Kevin Kolb this offseason and signed Drew Stanton, but do they really view him as the answer at QB. The Cardinals are also loosing Beanie Wells at the RB position as well as possibly LaRod Stephens-Howling who is a free agent.

Nov 23, 2012; Ames, Iowa, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) throws a pass before a game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Geno Smith – The Cardinals QB situation last year was terrible. Kevin Kolb was the best QB they had last year and they released him this offsaeson . They signed Drew Stanton, but he has never been a legit starting QB in this league and I’m not sure that is going to change. Larry Fitzgerald is the Cardinals best player, but without a competent QB to get him and last years #1 draft pick Michael Floyd the ball they are useless. Smith could get the ball down field to the Cardinals play makers and get this offense going.

Oct 13, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooner tackle Lane Johnson (69) in action against the Texas Longhorns during the red river rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Lane Johnson – Besides the QB position, the offensive line was another part of this team that was absolutely horrendous. Lane Johnson is a great athlete and he showed that off at the combine. If the Cardinals want whoever their QB to be successful, whoever that happens to be, they are going to have to keep him upright and protect him. Lane Johnson is a great LT prospect and will instantly come in and make that offensive line better from day one.

Feb 22, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns coach Rob Chudzinski speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Browns have had some good things going for them the last few years. There defense has looked good both of the last few years, last year they got some impact rookies on offense in Trent Richardson and Josh Gordon as well as Mitchell Schwartz who played very well at RT and Travis Benjamin who flashed a spark from the slot. However they have a new head coach in Rob Chudzinski, as well as hiring Joe Banner as their new CEO and Michael Lombardi as their new GM. On top of all that, they are also switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. How does the personnel currently on the team fit into that switch? Does the new staff like Brandon Weeden? The Browns have a lot of questions this offseason.

Oct 20, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dee Milliner (28) during warm up prior to the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Dee Milliner - Joe Haden is a legitimate #1 CB in this league. However the Browns #2 CB, Sheldon Brown is a free agent and even if brought back is getting older. Dee Milliner is an elite CB prospect and could be every bit as good as Joe Haden. This would give the Browns one of, if not the best CB tandem in the NFL. They are switching to a3-4 this year and if they can’t get pressure on the QB straight away they are going to need their CBs to be able to cover for a long time. 

Oct 29, 2011; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Dion Jordan (middle) sacks Washington State Cougars quarterback Marshall Lobbestael (6) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks beat the Cougars 43-28. Mandatory credit: Jim Z. Rider-USA TODAY Sports.

Dion Jordan - Jordan is as athletic as they come. He would be a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense and the Browns need players who can fit their new scheme. Jordan used to play WR and TE so he knows how to play in space. He can cover TEs and RBs and has very fluid hips for a guy his size. He can get to the QB as well as anyone in this draft. He did just have surgery on his shoulder, but there shouldn’t be any lingering issues from that and he should be ready to go for camp this summer.

Oct 20, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) rushes the passer against the Texas A

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 241 pounds

Position Rank: 5

Drafted By: Cleveland Browns (1st round, 6th overall)

40 Yard Dash:  4.58

Bench Press:  DNP

Vertical Jump:  37″

Broad Jump:  128″

2012 Statistics

Career Highlights (via LSU athletic site)

2012 All-SEC Second Team (AP, Coaches)
2011 Second-Team All-Southeastern Conference (AP)
2011 SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week (vs. Auburn)
2010 Freshman All-Southeastern Conference (Coaches)

CAREER
One of the most dominant pass rushing defensive ends in school history with 29 tackles for loss and 15 sacks in 40 career games … Started 15 times … Added 119 total tackles (60 solo) … Added 27 quarterback hurries and batted down 11 passes … Second team All-SEC as a sophomore and junior … Freshman All-SEC in 2010 … Opted to forgo senior season with the Tigers after being projected as a first round NFL Draft pick in 2013.

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Mingo is lightning quick off the ball, and it’s no surprise considering speed has always been the name of his game. He came into LSU measuring out at 6’5″ 209 pounds, which is unusually small for a DE, but over the last three years, he’s put on nearly 30 pounds and has the frame to add even more. This kid has the potential to be a freak pass rusher, and not unlike his teammate Sam Montgomery, I think he’s going to be an absolute stud at the next level. He has elite quickness and speed, and is relentless in pursuit. Really long athlete with great hands already, and a guy that potentially could play defensive end or linebacker at the next level. Has the frame to grow to 250-260 without losing much quickness at all. I have seen him track down LaMichael James from behind, which has to account for something. Already has a pretty solid arsenal of pass rush moves to get to the quarterback. 13.5 tackles for loss in 2011 prior to the national title game with seven sacks. Gets in the backfield quicker than most guys I have seen, and reminds me a lot of Von Miller in that regard. Has obvious struggles with double teams, as he is not big enough yet to take them on on a consistent basis. This is a guy that I believe could be an elite pass rushing prospect at the NFL level as a DE or OLB. He has elite quickness and instincts, and is always in the backfield making plays. At this point, I consider him a top 10 talent without question in the 2013 class.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)