Pride of Detroit
Everything you need to know about Detroit Lions 6th-round pick: DT Mekhi Wingo
Many expected the Detroit Lions to target their defensive line in the draft early and often. However, after drafting a pair of cornerbacks to open the first two days of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Lions had to wait until Day 3 to address their defensive front.
That said, after a minor trade up in the sixth round, the Lions got LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo, a high-character prospect who only saw his impact on the field increase year by year.
Here are five things you should know about the Lions’ newest defensive tackle.
Since 2003, it has been a tradition at LSU to honor the #18 jersey to the player that most exemplifies leadership and perseverance. It dates back to quarterback Matt Mauck, who after returning from a foot injury in 2002, led LSU to their first National Championship since 1958.
That numbers has been passed down to players of every position at LSU, and here’s coach Brian Kelly explaining why Wingo was awarded the honor:
“It’s worn by a player who represents the traits and spirit associated with a successful program and that’s Mekhi,” Kelly said.
This is especially impressive for Wingo, considering he spent his 2021 season with Missouri before transferring to LSU in 2022. He quickly managed to take on a leadership role that season, leading him to these honors for his final college season.
“This means a lot to me and I want to thank BJ (Ojulari) for showing me how to properly wear this number,” Wingo said after being awarded the number. “I’m going to play my heart out and represent this number and all those who have worn it before me the right way.”
Without a doubt, Wingo’s last year at LSU didn’t go as planned. He suffered a groin injury in the season opener, and gutted through it for six games before eventually succumbing to the need for surgery.
His college career could have ended there. He could have spent his time rehabbing for the NFL Draft and beyond. But while other draft prospects skipped out on their team’s bowl games, Wingo attacked his rehabbed vigorously to make sure he played with his teammates one last time in the ReliaQuest Bowl, helping his team come out victorious over Wisconsin.
“I had the injury early throughout the year, didn’t feel like I got my full 18 (jersey) season,” Wingo told Detroit media. “And of course, I could’ve just packed up, declared, and did this, but it really got to me watching my team lose a few games with me being on the sideline. So, once I had my surgery, I just rehabbed my butt off and made it an emphasis to get back on the field and be with my guys one last time.”
Wingo produced two...
