Cowboys’ Jonathan Mingo going from laughing stock to potential breakout star at camp

Dallas Cowboys training camp is underway in Oxnard, California, and the wide receivers are shining early. There is plenty of excitement for the addition of George Pickens, and CeeDee Lamb is always going to put on a show.

Put the dynamic duo together, and the buzz for the offense is reaching an all-time high.

But while Lamb and Pickens are grabbing everyone’s attention, there is another wide receiver who has been flying under the radar despite putting together an impressive two days.

MORE: Cowboys offense installing 2 new gadget formations, Schottenheimer says

Before last season’s NFL trade deadline, the Cowboys sent a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and a seventh-round pick. Mingo was a 2023 second-round pick, but had been underperforming. And, because it’s the Cowboys, everyone on social media had their jokes.

Cowboys' Jonathan Mingo going from laughing stock to potential breakout star at camp

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo walks to the practice fields during training camp at Wofford College. / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

That could all be changing.

While it has only been two practices in Oxnard, Mingo has been impressing those in attendance. DallasCowboys.com’s Tommy Yarrish noted on Wednesday that the speedy receiver is “probably the best” he has looked since joining the team.

MORE: Cowboys’ KaVontae Turpin familiar with RB success, takes ‘fearless’ approach

“A few good catches and just missed connecting on a deep ball from Joe Milton, but had one of the better days among the receivers.”

With the addition of Pickens, Mingo has the opportunity to move into the WR3 slot and run free with less pressure on his shoulders. Of course, he will need to fight off Jalen Tolbert for the job.

Cowboys' Jonathan Mingo going from laughing stock to potential breakout star at camp

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo makes a catch during training camp at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields. / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Last season, Mingo appeared in just 8 games for the Cowboys, hauling in five catches for 46 yards. Throughout his two years in the league, Mingo has 60 receptions for 585 yards.

If he can continue to develop as he gets more familiar with the Cowboys’ offense, it will be interesting to see what kind of role he can carve out.

MORE: Cowboys’ offseason addition making immediate impact, even teaching Dak Prescott

The Cowboys were interested in Mingo when he was entering the league out of Ole Miss, and they made a big swing in bringing him to Dallas with their fourth-round pick.

It’s clear the team has hope that Mingo can develop into a serviceable playmaker, now it’s time for him to continue shining when given the opportunity.

Cowboys' Jonathan Mingo going from laughing stock to potential breakout star at camp

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo walks off the field after the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI

Best highlights from Dallas Cowboys 2025 training camp Day 2

Jake Ferguson steals show at Cowboys’ second training camp practice

Jerry Jones upset Micah Parsons’ agent, a professional negotiator, got involved in contract talks

CeeDee Lamb sends NFL warning about healthy Dak Prescott, Cowboys offense

PHOTOS:Maddy Unger, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader rookie

Related Posts

Just hours after Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich spoke with confidence, everything suddenly shifted… as Green Bay Packers president Ed Policy announced a shocking delay of the $120 million Don Hutson Center expansion until 2030. What looked like steady progress now feels uncertain — and fans are left wondering what really changed behind the scenes.

Green Bay, Wisconsin – Just three hours after a public statement from Eric Genrich, Ed Policy made a surprising announcement that has shaken the Packers community. The Green…

A deep sense of shock and sorrow now surrounds the Kansas City Chiefs as news emerges of a 6-time Pro Bowl legend’s tragic passing at 65 — and the fact that authorities are now investigating only adds a layer of unease no one was prepared for. This isn’t just loss… it’s a story that feels heavier the more details begin to surface.

The football world is mourning after the reported passing of former NFL star safety Joey Browner at the age of 65. The tragic news has shocked fans across the…

For weeks, the noise kept growing… and now the truth finally hits. The Dallas Cowboys’ hopes of landing Myles Garrett have just been addressed directly by the Cleveland Browns GM — and the message changes everything fans thought they knew. What once felt possible now carries a completely different weight.

It’s the end of March in the NFL and if you’re a fan of any team–certainly a fan of the Dallas Cowboys–you’d like to be able to cling…

🚨BREAKING: MAHOMES JUST SENT A CHILL THROUGH THE LEAGUE — Patrick Mahomes delivered a quiet message to Chiefs Kingdom, but insiders say it hit harder than any headline. This wasn’t noise… it was a cold, calculated signal that something dangerous is brewing in Kansas City. 👀🔥👇👇

KANSAS CITY — The 2025 season did not end the way the Kansas City Chiefs or their fans had hoped. For a franchise that has spent the last several years…

🚨BREAKING: BALTIMORE IS ABOUT TO PAY BIG — Zay Flowers just ignited contract chaos after Lamar Jackson dropped a cryptic “dat deal” hint, and insiders say the extension is already in motion. This isn’t just business… it’s a rising star about to cash in as the WR market explodes. 👀🔥👇👇

While quarterback Lamar Jackson watched several teammates depart this offseason, the Baltimore Ravens appear increasingly determined to keep one of his closest allies in place. Wide receiver…

Age was supposed to slow him down… but instead, it’s making the San Francisco 49ers think even bigger. A 34-year-old still dominating with a 70.7 PFF grade has insiders whispering about a move that could shake the entire roster — and if it happens, it won’t just be bold… it’ll be a statement no one saw coming.

The San Francisco 49ers remain firmly in win-now mode heading into the 2026 NFL season, and they are showing no signs of slowing down in their pursuit…