Round 6a: DT Mekhi Wingo (LSU): Pick # 189 (2024)

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Lions select LSU DT Mekhi Wingo in the 6th round

2024 NFL draft: Detroit Lions trade up again, take LSU DT Mekhi Wingo in Round 6

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This new thread relates to the following thread:

NFL Draft Preview: Defensive Lineman / Edge ( 2024 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/2038/draft-preview-defensive-lineman-edge

The trade with the Texans that the Lions made in acquiring Pick # 189 in Round 6 for Pick # 205, in Round 6, and Pick # 249, in Round 7, is less than I thought the Lions would have to compensate the Texans for to trade up from # 205 to # 189.

On top of the trade compensation being favorable for the Lions, I believe the Lions got great value with the selection of LSU DT Mekhi Wingo with Pick # 189. I thought the most likely part of the draft that Mekhi would be selected at was Round 4.

Mekhi Wingo, like all 6 of the Lions 2024 Draft selections, is a terrific Lions culture fit. His leadership is tremendous! He's definitely an #Allgrit player.

While many 6th Round Picks don't survive the cutdown to 53, I believe Wingo has a good chance to survive the cutdown to 53 and make the Lions opening day 53 man roster. Even if it means the Lions would carry 5 players who are primarily DTs/ Interior Defensive Lineman. On a team with one of the best rosters in the NFL, that would be a huge accomplishment for Wingo.

Wingo is quick off the ball, usually plays with a low center of gravity (though he needs to be even more consistent with this, considering his lack of size), is strong for his size (including having success as a bull rusher at times), has a number of pass rush and overall separation moves, and is effective as a tackler even though he has short arm length (32") / overall wing span. Wingo's size and short arms limit his range though.

At the very least, I believe Wingo will see action as a 3 Technique DT and used as a DT in some expected passing situations. I think Wingo is going to get the opportunity to see if he can handle being an edge rusher on some expected passing situations. He's the type of player will do his best to maximize his NFL potential.

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Lions pick LSU DT Mekhi Wingo in sixth round of 2024 NFL draft. What to know

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With the draft selection of Mekhi Wingo, the Lions now have at least 4 players that are from the St. Louis area. The other 3 are Jack Fox, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta.

While no one with even remotely realistic expectations believes that Mekhi Wingo will be on the level of former St. Louis/ LA Rams DT Aaron Donald, the experiences that Brad Holmes had in the evaluation process with Aaron Donald in the Rams organization and seeing up close how the Rams used Donald, likely was a significant factor in the Lions trading up for Wingo. Donald overcame major size limitations to become an All-Time great all around Interior Defensive Lineman. Wingo is even a little shorter than Donald, both regarding height and arm length. But as a player who very likely won't draw the attention that Donald did from opposing Offenses, he should be in many more favorable situations on a % basis.

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Get to know LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo, Lions' sixth-round pick

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Mekhi Wingo has 71 tackles, 11 tackles for losses, and 7 1/2 sacks in his 2 combined seasons with LSU.

If Wingo has even close to the impact that Ed Oliver has had for the Bills, he will be viewed as one of the best 6th Round Picks by the Lions in the Super Bowl era. Maybe, even the best 6th Round pick. Hopefully, Wingo will remain relatively healthy, at least the vast majority of the time.

With Wingo's small frame, health is a major concern with him as an NFL player. One positive though is Wingo has a history of playing better later in games and that he averaged 55 Defensive snaps, in the games he played with LSU in his two seasons with them. With the Lions, barring multiple DT injuries, I doubt Wingo will even come close to averaging 55 snaps per game in any season.

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Mekhi Wingo's Leadership, Rush Ability Makes Him Perfect Fit for Lions


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The versatility that Mekhi Wingo displayed with LSU is very likely a key reason why Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell decided to trade up (with the Texans) to draft Wingo.