Barkevious Mingo is still getting used to waking up in New England.
"It's a huge culture shock," Mingo said this week, per The Boston Herald. "I felt like the winning spirit was making its way into Cleveland with those new coaches, but it's definitely been established here for a long time, and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Mingo is expected to produce in New England after notching just seven sacks in 46 games for Cleveland, who chose the former LSU star with the No. 6 overall pick in 2013.
The edge rusher didn't mince words, calling his rookie year in Cleveland a "gruesome" experience, mainly because the team floundered its way to just four wins. His following two seasons weren't any easier, with a revolving door of coaches struggling to find a consistent position for the 25-year-old Mingo, who finished his time with the Browns as an inside linebacker.
As for Mingo, he now roams the lands of Foxborough with the glow of a man who's escaped the darkness.
"It's very exciting," he gushed. "This team is stacked at every position. They have guys on the outside who can cover. We've got interior guys who are holding gaps and linebackers that are hitting those gaps and making big plays. I'm just excited to be a part of it."
