The Patriots traded a 2017 fifth round draft pick for outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo yesterday. Mingo, the sixth overall pick in the 2013 draft is in the last year of his rookie deal.

Mingo has underachieved thus far amassing only seven sacks in three seasons. Part of Mingo’s problem is that he can’t put weight on.

Taking a chance on Mingo is a typical Bill Belichick move. The Patriots will use Mingo as an outside linebacker on first and second down and as a sub package defensive end in long down situations. 

The Browns failed to tap into Mingo’s enormous potential, but I have a feeling the Patriots will get more out of Mingo this season than the Browns did in the last three seasons.

That’s not a knock on the Browns but the culture is in place and scheme in New England is fundamentally sound. 

The Patriots are taking a chance on Mingo. I think it’s a worthwhile gamble. If Mingo figures it, he could be a valuable piece for Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia this season.