The curse of high expectations beset the Carolina Panthers in 2023 as they entered the season with heralded rookie quarterback Bryce Young.
Then there was former Ole Miss wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, who was drafted #39 by the Panthers and looked to be a valuable asset in Young’s development.
However, the rookie quarterback struggled to adjust to the NFL, and Mingo faltered in his rookie season.
Per Around the NFL, Mingo made a bold declaration ahead of his sophomore season.
The wideout asserted, “I know people haven’t seen the best of me yet.”
Despite being targeted a respectable 85 times in the Carolina offense, Mingo only managed 43 receptions for a pedestrian 418 yards.
He never reached the endzone.
One group of NFL experts, Pro Football Focus, listed Mingo as No. 54 out of 54 wide receivers in the league with at least 75 targets.
Clearly, there is substantial room for improvement, but Mingo is undeterred.
He declared that he has bet on himself all of his life and has seen much adversity, and both are traits that will lead him to success.
Mingo said the offseason has been a good one in the Carolinas and that the team is ready to take a significant step forward and put the growing pains of 2023 behind it.
Despite his critics’ charges, the second-year receiver emphasized that he has all the talent and skills necessary to succeed at the highest level.
Carolina attempted to improve its receiving corps both through trades and the draft this offseason, but Mingo should still have plenty of opportunities to showcase his abilities this fall.
