LSU’s defense had all sorts of issues in 2023, but its one stalwart was [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag].
When he was on the field, he was one of the most impactful defensive linemen in the SEC. He battled injuries this season, however, and he’s now off to the NFL draft, where he’s viewed as a likely Day 2 prospect.
However, a pair of ESPN draft analysts think he could prove to be a diamond in the rough. On a recent episode of First Draft, Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. heaped praise upon Wingo.
“Obviously, LSU’s defense was terrible this past year, but he was one of the bright spots,” Yates said, per On3. “This kid is built like a fire hydrant. He is a low-center-of-gravity defensive tackle, but he is relentless.
“Seven and a half sacks over the past two seasons for Mekhi Wingo. Four and a half of them were this past year. And as I mentioned, he’s relentless. He’s tough. He gets underneath opposing offensive guards. He has the ability to collapse some pockets.”
Kiper said that he likes Wingo’s explosiveness and disruption when playing at 100%.
“He’s got the presence. He has the ability to go in and wreak some havoc,” Kiper said. “Bottom line is when he’s 100% and he’s out there playing, he is a guy in that backfield, quick out of the blocks.”
Yates went on to say that while Wingo’s frame may keep him from going any higher than the third round, whoever ultimately makes the gamble will likely be happy with that decision.
“Mekhi Wingo was one of the more annoying defensive tackles for opposing offensive linemen to block because even if he’s not getting a sack, he’s totally compromising the way that your quarterback is able to navigate the pocket,” Yates said.
“I don’t know exactly the range here for Mekhi Wingo. Maybe it’s an early third round pick, maybe a little bit later because of the fact that he is not, in terms of stature, on the same level as the two guys that we talked about before this, but Mekhi Wingo has got a future in the NFL and it’s very bright.”
Wingo is one of several LSU standouts who will await their professional fates during April’s draft.
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