Tag: Mekhi Wingo

Lions waive WR, place two defenders on I.R. and sign 3 in busy day of roster moves

Lions waive WR, place two defenders on I.R. and sign 3 in busy day of roster moves following Week 13 win over Bears

Saturday was a very active one for the Detroit Lions on the roster move front. The Lions made several moves to deal with injuries across the defense.

As expected, the Lions placed LB Malcolm Rodriguez and DL Mekhi Wingo on injured reserve. Both were lost for the season with knee injuries suffered in Thursday’s Week 13 win over the Chicago Bears.

The Lions added reinforcements to the defense, signing three players from opposing practice squads to bolster the depth. The newcomers:

DL Myles Adams (Seahawks)
LB Kwon Alexander (Broncos)
DL Jonah Williams (Rams)

The acquisitions of Alexander and Williams were previously reported. Adams played for Seattle in the Week 4 matchup with Detroit, recording three tackles. The Seahawks waived Adams last week and signed him back to their practice squad, but the Lions have now poached him for the active roster.

All three of the players signed from other practice squads must remain on the Lions’ 53-man active roster for at least three weeks.

To make room for Adams, the Lions waived wide receiver and return man Maurice Alexander. Detroit had signed Alexander for Week 13 from its own practice squad to replace injured Kalif Raymond. Alexander handled return duties in the win over the Bears and averaged over 10 yards per punt return. He is eligible to return to the Lions practice squad if unclaimed by another team on Monday.

 

#Lions announce roster moves: Waived WR Maurice Alexander. Placed LB Malcolm Rodriguez and DL Mekhi Wingo on Reserve/Injured. Signed DL Myles Adams (From SEA Practice Squad), LB Kwon Alexander (from DEN Practice Squad), and DL Jonah Williams (from LAR Practice Squad) to the Active Roster.

— Detroit Lions (@detroitlions.bsky.social) November 30, 2024 at 4:25 PM

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Lions lose another defender to season-ending injury

Lions lose another defender to season-ending injury, with rookie DL Mekhi Wingo suffering a knee injury vs the Bears

The Detroit Lions defense took another hit to the depth chart with the news that rookie defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo is out for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed that Wingo, a 6th-round rookie from LSU, will miss the rest of the year with a knee injury. Wingo left Thursday’s win over the Chicago Bears in the second half and did not return.

“Wingo is going to be out, he’ll be done for the season,” Campbell stated. “His will probably require surgery. That’s another one.”

On the plus side, Campbell believes Wingo will be ready for the start of the 2025 season.

“Hate that for him, but everything will be clean and he’ll be healed up for next year. That’s good news,” Campbell continued on Wingo.

Wingo joins linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez as Lions defenders who suffered confirmed season-ending injuries in the Thanksgiving game.

The Wingo injury sheds more light on why the Lions poached DL Jonah Williams from the Los Angeles Rams practice squad.

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Lions postgame injury and medical report following the Thanksgiving win over the Bears

Lions postgame injury and medical report following the Thanksgiving win over the Bears which saw several players leave with injuries

The Lions gutted out a Thanksgiving victory but not before a myriad of players went down with injuries. There will be no mini-bye respite yet as the next game is in seven days on Thursday Night Football vs the Packers.

The main concerns coming out of the game are Malcolm Rodriguez, Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, and DJ Reader. Unfortunately, all those are along the front-7 which was already a significantly weakened unit coming into the game.

In Dan Campbell’s postgame press conference, he did provide some injury updates which I will include below.

These are the injuries I saw on initial watch along with suspected diagnoses:

Emmanuel Moseley

Moseley was a surprise inactive with Carlton Davis out, Terrion Arnold recovering (groin), and Kindle Vildor struggling last game. Moseley had played 15 special teams snaps last game without obvious issue. Dan Campbell stated that he had “pregame something that popped up”. It doesn’t sound too serious or long-term, but his status for next game is uncertain.

Terrion Arnold – groin

Despite a full week of “estimated” FP’s, Arnold did not start the 1st drive although he started all the drives after that. As to why, Dan Campbell stated: “We just wanted to make sure he was good.” Arnold looked sharp throughout the game.

Josh Paschal – right knee, 2q 12:50

Paschal appeared to take a hard step onto his right leg and did not return to the game. No deformity of the knee was seen on video which is good. He went to the locker room but returned to the sideline which is reassuring. A bone bruise is a possibility as well as cartilage damage. He’ll get an MRI soon to evaluate.

Levi Onwuzurike – left hamstring, 2q 00:09

The video looked concerning for a knee sprain but it was officially listed as a hamstring. He did not return to the game. He’s likely out for at least next game. Severity will determine how long he is out.

Mekhi Wingo – mild right knee sprain, 3q

Wingo had a slight limp during the 1st drive of the 2nd half. There was no obvious injury on video. He showed up with a right knee brace on the 2nd drive of the half and was still playing at the 12:00 mark of the 4th quarter. Hoping that this is just a mild knee sprain.

DJ Reader – left shoulder, 4q 11:18

The mechanism here is concerning for a shoulder subluxation. Hopefully, it’s just a mild shoulder strain. Good news is that he did return to the game although there were points where you could see that the shoulder was still bothering him.

Dan Skipper – right back or ribs, 4q 9:14

Skipper took a direct blow to the right torso/flank area. That is the same area as the rib injury he suffered in week 3, and I’m suspecting an aggravation of that injury. He was able to finish out the game and I don’t have any concerns going forward.

Khalil Dorsey – right low ankle sprain, 4q 8:24

His right ankle inverted slightly causing him to come up limping. I’m suspecting a mild low ankle sprain. He was able to stay in the game and should be fine.

Malcolm Rodriguez – right knee, 4q 6:39

Dan Campbell stated: “Rodrigo is the [injury] that could be the worst.”

The video was not clear but there is a concern for a non-contact ACL. Hopefully, it’s just a mild knee sprain.

Kindle Vildor – left arm contusion, 4q 3:14

Vildor had his left arm banged in friendly fire. He left the game briefly but returned and should be fine.

Za’Darius Smith – cramps, 4q 3:06 & 1:08

Smith needed assistance a couple times at the end of the game. I’m suspecting simple cramps as he was given an electrolyte drink on the sideline immediately after the initial episode. He was able to finish out the game.

Brian Branch – left ankle, 4q 1:04

There was no video of the injury here, but after the play, he was grabbing at his left ankle. He stayed in the game and looked to be fine.

Lions injury update: An offensive lineman joins the team’s practice injury report

Lions injury update: An offensive lineman joins the team’s practice injury report, with left tackle Taylor Decker limited on Thursday

The Detroit Lions head to the final practice ahead of the team’s Week 10 trip to Houston in relatively good health. However, Thursday’s practice participation report did feature one new addition after a Wednesday session that saw two defensive contributors sit out with injury.

Linebackers Malcolm Rodriguez and Jalen Reeves-Maybin are still sidelined, and neither should be expected to play in Houston.

The new addition is left tackle Taylor Decker, who was listed as a limited participant with a shoulder. He was not on Wednesday’s injury list, and that practice was an estimated walkthrough.

Newly acquired DE Za’Darius Smith continues to be away from the team after initially reporting. Head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have both indicated Smith can play on Sunday and is excused from practice this week.

Defensive end Josh Paschal continues to battle back from the removal of a non-cancerous mass from his shoulder. The cancer survivor from his college days at Kentucky missed last week as well. Rookie defensive lineman, who missed Week 9, joined Paschal as a full participant in both of the practices this week.

Lions get 7 back at Thursday’s practice but lose another DL

Lions get 7 back at Thursday’s practice from Wednesday rest day but lose another DL

As Detroit head coach Dan Campbell promised before Wednesday’s practice session, it was a day of rest for many Lions players. Seven vets who sat out the first practice ahead of the NFC North battle in Week 9 in Green Bay returned to full action on Thursday.

That group includes several keys to the Lions’ 6-1 start:

QB Jared Goff

RG Kevin Zeitler

LG Graham Glasgow

C Frank Ragnow

DT DJ Reader

DL Levi Onwuzurike

RB Sione Vaki

Left tackle Taylor Decker (chest) upgraded from being out on Wednesday to limited on Thursday. That improvement portends well for Decker to play in Green Bay.

Unfortunately, the Lions lost another defensive linemen during Thursday’s practice. Rookie Mekhi Wingo was listed as a limited participant with an ankle injury after being a full go on Wednesday. No information on the extent of Wingo’s wound is known yet.

Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (ankle) and DE Josh Paschal (illness) sat out fully once again.

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Options for the Lions to replace injured EDGE Marcus Davenport

Exploring the different options the Detroit Lions have to replace injured EDGE Marcus Davenport

The Detroit Lions are once again in scramble mode to find a reliable starter at the EDGE position opposite Aidan Hutchinson. The solution for the first three games, veteran Marcus Davenport, suffered what is reported to be a potential season-ending elbow injury in the Lions Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals. At minimum, it appears Davenport will miss at least a few games.

Davenport played effectively when he was on the field, but his lengthy injury history was always a factor. The one-time Saints first-rounder had already missed Detroit’s Week 2 loss to the Buccaneers, and his proven frailty unfortunately reared its head in just his second week of action for the Lions.

Replacement options

The Lions already have some reinforcements on the roster. None offer the high-end pass rush skills Davenport brought, but the coaching staff already has familiarity with how to use each.

Levi Onwuzurike

Onwuzurike has already seen quite a bit of time as the “heavy” end. Well over half (74 of 125 per PFF) of his 2024 reps have come aligned as an end, meaning heads-up with the tackle or outside that set. Onwuzurike picked up a half-sack in both Week 1 and Week 2, and he is the most capable internal option to keep up the “crush the can” style Davenport brought that head coach Dan Campbell wants.

At over 290 pounds, Onwuzurike sets a powerful edge against the run on his way to the quarterback, though he doesn’t have much speed. No. 91 is also a key member of the internal DL rotation and has proven more adept at creating pressures from that inside alignment. He’s an incredible injury success story, fighting back from a likely career-ending back fusion surgery and working his way into the rotation.

Josh Paschal

Paschal is another heavier/power style of edge, though he hasn’t had the NFL success of Davenport or even Onwuzurike to this point. The 2022 second-round pick is adapting to a more power-oriented approach, something the Lions encouraged for the 280-ish-pounder after he struggled to find an identity in his first two years.

One of the reasons the Lions brought Davenport in was Paschal’s own lengthy injury history. He’s also been ineffective when he’s played in 2024; No. 93 has generated one QB pressure in 35 pass-rush snaps in three games, the same number of penalties he’s committed. Paschal was one of the Lions’ lowest-graded players in both Week 1 and Week 3 by PFF, and those grades pass the eye test.

James Houston

Houston brings a very different style element to playing EDGE. He’s a speed rusher, one who found tremendous success at the end of his rookie campaign in 2022.

Despite the prolific outburst, Houston has barely played since. He lost his role in 2023 before suffering a serious ankle injury. It was dicey that Houston would make the Lions roster in 2024 after he struggled in camp. He’s been a healthy scratch in two of the first three weeks and only saw action on three snaps when Davenport was out for Week 2.

Houston’s lack of size really stands out on the Lions roster. At just 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, he’s at least three inches shorter and 20 pounds lighter than the other options currently on the 53-man roster (including Davenport). He’s more of a fit to potentially step into Derrick Barnes’ role at SAM should Barnes be sidelined with his injury suffered in Arizona, except the team already pulled the plug on trying to get Houston in that more LB-oriented role.

Mekhi Wingo

Wingo hasn’t played a lot yet as a sixth-round rookie. The 6-foot-1, 290-pounder from LSU is a positional tweener at his size. Detroit has used him on the edge in preseason and also in the first three weeks, and his increased role in Arizona suggests he might be poised for a bigger shot here.

He’s a crafty fighter, but Wingo’s lack of length and also quickness beyond his first step appear to be limiting factors. Having said that, the rookie has been more effective at rushing the passer than Paschal already. If he can hold up against the run and not lose containment on his rushes, Wingo could very well take over a much meatier role. That’s a lot to ask of a sixth-round rookie, however.

Practice squad

The Lions have two practice squad players who saw a lot of action over the summer at EDGE. Mitchell Agude and Isaac Ukwu both challenged to make the roster over Houston with their ability to impact and disrupt off the edge.

Agude is the more likely call-up — especially if Barnes is out — as he is cross-trained at SAM. He’s slightly undersized (6-3/252) for what the Lions want at EDGE but plays with stoutness as a primarily power-to-speed style of pass rusher.

Ukwu, an undrafted rookie from Ole Miss, is more like Houston stylistically. He’s the only other real speed-rush option, and he’s got bend and juice around the outside. Ukwu was very hit-and-miss in camp and preseason, but his “hit” is certainly intriguing.

Detroit also has Chris Smith on the practice squad. Smith is an interior-only defender, but bringing him back up to the active roster would facilitate the Lions playing Onwuzurike more exclusively outside.

Yet the most likely option from the practice squad should be veteran Pat O’Connor. The 30-year-old has years of experience with the Buccaneers in a reserve role, and he brings almost exactly the same size and length as Davenport (6-4/272). O’Connor knows how to play the run, and he showed this summer he could crush the can when aligned wide.

External options

The free agent pool at EDGE is pretty shallow. There are some faded vets with better name recognition than 2024 ability, guys like Yannick Ngakoue and Shaq Lawson.

As for trades…

It can’t be ruled out, but it seems extremely unlikely Lions GM Brad Holmes would make a move of any significance here. Unless it makes sense financially and within the culture of the Lions, it’s just not a viable path. Read as: the Lions aren’t going to pay for a disgruntled player like Haason Reddick of the Jets. He’s the only noteworthy player that is potentially available via trade right now, and speculating about others (Maxx Crosby comes to mind) is irresponsible clickbait. Now if the Raiders make any indication that Crosby might be available — and they have not done that — then the Lions should at least call.

Defensive end Mitchell Agude has a real chance of making the Lions 53-man roster

Defensive end Mitchell Agude has a real chance of making the Lions 53-man roster after adding SAM duty to his resume

Who doesn’t love a good story? Especially when it’s an athlete and their journey to the league. In this case, we could be on the verge of seeing dreams come true for Detroit Lions defensive end Mitchell Agude. We’re six days away from finding out what each teams 53-man roster will look like in the NFL. The question for Agude will be if he makes the Lions roster or not.

In 2023, Agude was undrafted out of Miami (FL) and he ended up signing with the Miami Dolphins. Part of the final roster cuts last summer, he was waived and about a month later, he signed to the practice squad of the Lions.

Prior to the NFL, Agude spent a season at Miami (FL) and two seasons at UCLA. With the Hurricanes, he was able to record 39 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and four sacks. During his career with the Bruins, he had 78 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

Some will say that it’s “just good” but for Agude, it’s remarkable. Reason being is that Agude is lucky to be alive. When he was 9-years old, he was skateboarding at Santana Park in Corona, California and suffered a near-death experience. He fell off his skateboard and hit his head on the concrete. This forced him into a coma and for one and a half days, doctors drained fluid from his head. The fall caused a severe brain bleed and seizure.

After three days of the doctors trying to figure out a way to save his life and essentially telling his family that he’ll be in a vegetative state for the rest of his life, Agude woke up. From there, everything kind of went back to normal in his life. It was a miracle for him and his family.

The only hiccup he had after the accident was trying to convince his mother, Grace Agude, to let him play football. He wanted to follow in his big brothers footsteps and play the game. Despite years of his mother not allowing him to play contact sports, she finally let him in the 7th grade. From there, the rest is history.

Now, Agude is on the brink of making the Detroit Lions 53-man roster. Up to this point, he’s had a very strong summer with the Lions. He’s recorded 8 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Let’s dive into some film and see what Agude is doing so well for the Lions defense!

The first play I want to highlight is how Agude (DE #50) reads and reacts well to a screen pass to the running back. Looking at the play above, you’ll see Agude aligned in a tilt-7 technique against the Chiefs right tackle.

Once the ball is snapped, the Lions call for a E/T Stunt with Agude and Mekhi Wingo (DT #94). This is where the defensive tackle loops around outside and the defensive end crashes inside to the B-gap. This normally frees up the tackle to get a much clearer path to the quarterback.

However, you’ll see the running back check release on Wingo and in the process, he turns around and catches the screen pass. Fortunately, Agude doesn’t get too deep into the backfield and he actually does a pretty good job reading the offensive lineman releasing up field. He reacts quickly to the running back getting the ball and he makes great effort tracking this down for a minimal gain.

Next up is a rep from Agude where he shows off his pass-rush ability. You’ll see him highlighted on the play above as he works against the Chiefs right tackle. Once the ball is snapped, he shows a quick get-off but most importantly, watch his hands and pad level.

Once the right tackle throws his punch, Agude does a great job chopping the hands of the offensive tackle with his inside arm. Following it up, he rips underneath while dropping his pad level. As he begins to turn the corner, he takes it a bit wide and this allows the right guard to pick him up.

Which, keep in mind, is a great play by Chiefs right guard Trey Smith. This gives Patrick Mahomes enough time to step up in the pocket and get rid of the ball. Overall, this rep from Agude is encouraging as the Lions look for a pass-rusher opposite of Aidan Hutchinson.

Lastly, I want to focus on Agude playing off-the-ball and aligned in a ’30’ alignment for linebackers. Teams searching for a SAM linebacker will need them to play on and off the line-of-scrimmage consistently. They’ll need to play in coverage, stop the run and rush the passer. Through two preseason games, we’re seeing Agude being able to do that.

The play above highlights just that. As I mentioned, Agude is aligned in a ’30’ and while it’s unclear what pass coverage drop he would have, if any, it’s promising to see him play well against the run. Watch how fluid he is with his lower half while being able to locate the ball carrier. In the process, he attacks up field with a good angle and good play speed to make this tackle for a minimal gain.

Overall, it’s been very encouraging to see Mitchell Agude playing well for the Detroit Lions defense. Coming into this season, it felt like James Houston was somewhat on the hot seat. Houston needs to stay healthy, get on the field and produce.

Fortunately for the Lions, they’ve got a player waiting in the wings and potentially pushing Houston out of his spot. Looking like a more natural fit for that SAM linebacker position, it wouldn’t be surprising if Agude ended up making the 53-man roster over Houston and other defensive players.

Right now, Agude is doing all of the little things right. He does a good job with his run fits, flashes the ability to rush the passer and shows great effort on just about every single play. As he looks to live out his dream, he could be causing nightmares for the decision makers on the Lions roster. Over the next week or so, we’ll see if he can make his dream come true.

How LSU rookies performed in their first preseason games

Here’s how LSU’s rookies performed in their preseason debuts.

The NFL preseason is underway. As we get closer to playing football that matters, we’re getting our first real look at rookies on a professional field.

As usual, LSU has several former players starting their NFL careers in 2024. The Tigers’ draft class was headlined by QB [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag], who the Washington Commanders selected with the No. 2 overall pick. Daniels was joined in the first round by receivers [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag]

Later in the draft, three defensive tackles were taken out of LSU. The Jaguars took [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] and [autotag]Jordan Jefferson[/autotag] while [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] landed in Detroit with the Lions.

Five of the six made their preseason debut in the last several days with Jefferson being the only holdout.

LSU’s put a few stars in the NFL in recent years and there’s hope this group produces a few more. Here’s how they performed in their pro debuts, starting with Daniels.

Jayden Daniels

Daniels played just one series but made a strong impression in a few plays. In three dropbacks, Daniels completed two passes for 45 yards.

We saw Daniels excel with ball placement downfield last year and it was more of the same in his pro debut.

The drive was capped with a Daniels rushing score.

Malik Nabers

Nabers played 12 snaps in his debut, but he wasn’t targeted, leaving his stat line empty.

Despite the numbers, Nabers ran routes at an NFL level. If New York can get him the ball, he’ll make plays in 2024.

Brian Thomas Jr.

Thomas wasted no time putting his perimeter playmaking skills on display. His lone catch was a 42-yard shot down the sideline that saw Thomas fight for position to haul it in as he went to the ground.

Thomas posted an impressive 79.2 PFF grade in limited action.

Mekhi Wingo

Wingo played 31 defensive snaps in his debut with Detroit. He didn’t record a tackle but he did manage one pressure.

After the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke highly of Wingo’s performance.

Maason Smith

Maason Smith played 21 snaps in his first game and according to PFF, was the 11th best-graded rookie defensive tackle in the first week. Smith was only on the field for nine rush plays, so it was tough to make an impact there.

Like Wingo, he added one QB pressure.

How did some of the UDFAs do?

The draft picks weren’t the only LSU rookies to make their debut. LSU had some undrafted free agents take to the field as well.

[autotag]Charles Turner III[/autotag] played 10 snaps for the Patriots and allowed two pressures but still posted a 75.0 PFF pass block grade.

[autotag]Ovie Oghoufo[/autotag] made a good first impression, recording four tackles, a pressure, and a batted pass for the Giants.

Linebacker [autotag]Omar Speights[/autotag] was one of the top-graded rookie linebackers after making four tackles and pressuring the quarterback twice with the Rams.

In his debut with the Eagles, safety [autotag]Andre Sam[/autotag] played 19 snaps and made a tackle.

As for players who didn’t play, Jefferson and [autotag]Noah Cain[/autotag] are awaiting their debuts.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Mekhi Wingo making a name for himself in Lions camp with his grit factor

Lions rookie DL Mekhi Wingo talks about his gritty mindset, learning from Alim McNeill and why Terrell Williams is a great DL coach

The word “Grit” is something of a catchphrase for the Dan Campbell edition of the Detroit Lions. Campbell himself frequently dons a hat emblazoned with grit in all caps.

It’s more than a slogan. It’s a mindset that is required to become a successful member of these Detroit Lions. That grit is something that was easy to spot in Detroit’s sixth-round draft pick, defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo from LSU.

Wingo certainly checked that grit box. Wingo’s choice to play in LSU’s bowl game despite missing the end of the Tigers season with an injury is grit epitomized.

“It’s a mindset that was instilled in me since I was young,” Wingo said after a practice this week. “I was given the number 18 by (LSU), the first transfer to ever wear the number 18. I felt like I didn’t get my full season and I didn’t want it to go to waste.”

Wingo continued,

“I felt like I owed it to myself and owed it to my team.”

It’s that team-first mindset that is helping Wingo acclimate quickly to Detroit’s defensive line. Wingo, now wearing No. 94, credits linemate Alim McNeill for going out of his way to help him learn the finer points of playing tackle in the NFL despite not having great length. Wingo is six feet tall and currently weighs 288.

“He’s been teaching me how to take on double teams from (McNeill), how to work different techniques. And watching how he sets up his rushes to get to his winning moves,” Wingo said.

Wingo also praised new Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams.

“He’s great,” Wingo said with an excited smile. “He doesn’t try to coach every guy the same. He knows I’m an undersized guy, so he gives me tools that help me — you know, my game is different from bigger guys we have on the team. He lets me put my spin on things.”

Wingo has spent most of training camp working with the second-team defense, playing all over the line–even standing up at DE from time to time. Wingo bagged a would-be sack during Friday’s scrimmage and has been stout against the run ever since the pads came on. He’s nicely carving out a spot for himself with his gritty, mature approach.

Lions losing John Cominsky is more impactful than people think

The Lions losing DL John Cominsky to injury is more impactful than people think, and Russell Brown explains why

During the Tuesday morning practice this week, the Detroit Lions had multiple players suffer injuries. Rookie CB Ennis Rakestraw suffered an apparent foot injury, and offensive guard Netane Muti went down with a left shoulder injury. Lastly, they lost defensive end John Cominsky for the season due to a torn MCL.

There’s some hope that Cominsky could return in 5 or 6 months. If all goes right this season, the Lions could be in a playoff push so the return of Cominsky could be very beneficial for this Lions defense. However, losing him for the season is going to be more impactful than people think.

Last year during the off-season, the Lions were faced with a decision of keeping Cominsky or letting him walk. During that time, I went over the pros and cons of bringing him back to Detroit. In that article, I mentioned Cominsky as being a “glue guy” for the team. Specifically for the defense.

The Lions have a young defensive front with Alim McNeill, Aidan Hutchinson, Levi Onwuzurike and others. With that, they needed a veteran to lead them and turn to when the going got tough and that player was Cominsky. In 2022, he played in 14 games and started 8 of those games. He had 44 total pressures and over 550 defensive snaps played that season.

Cominsky may not light up the stat sheet, but his versatility will be missed. He can play anywhere along the defensive line. For the most part, he looks best suited to play as a 4i-technique for Detroit, but he can bump into the inside shoulder of a guard when needed.

Move onto last season and it was still a strong showing for Cominsky. He was in the top 10 for defensive snaps with 569 snaps played. Replacing the way he plays on those snaps will be tough to do for the Lions defense.

https://x.com/RussNFLDraft/status/1725313226429084043

His play style fits the identity of the Dan Campbell led Lions. He’s got that tough mentality and is just a grinder in the trenches. His ability to take on blocks and fight pressure with pressure is very beneficial to how the Lions linebackers can play freely. It leaves those backers clean as they scrape over the top or attack downhill to stop the run.

Last season, Cominsky played in 16 games and he started 11 of those games. He finished the season with 36 tackles, 16 QB pressures and two sacks (per PlayerProfiler). We’ll see how the Lions replace Cominsky but I’d have to guess this opens the door players such as Mathieu Betts, Kyle Peko, Mekhi Wingo and Brodric Martin. Hopefully, the Lions depth on the defensive line can help fill the void.