Tag: Mekhi Wingo

Video: Previewing the Lions defensive tackle position ahead of training camp

Video: Previewing the Lions defensive tackle position ahead of training camp via the Detroit Lions Podcast

One of the most revamped positions on the entire Detroit Lons roster is at defensive tackle. A unit that was solid against the run but offered little pass rush other than Alim McNeill in 2023 (or 2022, or 2021 for that matter) has some fresh faces and veteran reinforcements as the Lions head to training camp.

The latest video from the Detroit Lions Podcast breaks down the starting situation, the depth, newcomers, which player is on the spot and more.

Consider this a more extrapolated companion piece to the recent written breakdown and preview here.

An audio-only version of the episode is also available from your favorite podcast provider.

Lions defensive line depth could be the strength of the defense

Lions defensive line depth could be the strength of the defense, notes Lions Wire’s Russell Brown

As we all await for the Detroit Lions season to get started, it’s fun to look at their schedule, depth chart and speculate the potential of the season. When looking at the Lions defense, it’s hard to look past their defensive line. The depth from this unit runs deep and the 53-man roster could easily see 10-to-12 players from the defensive line on it.

The projected starters are currently:

  • Aidan Hutchinson
  • D.J. Reader
  • Alim McNeill
  • Marcus Davenport

But as we’ve seen under Aaron Glenn’s defense, the Lions use players up front on a situational basis. The key depth players could be the following:

  • John Cominsky
  • Josh Paschal
  • Levi Onwuzurike

It’s expected that a player such as Brodric Martin could really take a big step forward this season. He appears to be in much better football shape than he was a season ago and if Reader or McNeill struggle with any type of injury, he could be the next man up.

Adding to that, the Lions added Mekhi Wingo from LSU in the 2024 NFL Draft. Recently, I discussed him as a potential underrated player to the Lions defense so we’ll need to see what he does in a situational role for the team.

That alone gives the Lions nine defensive lineman that should see the field on a consistent basis. The wildcards of the group are James Houston, Kyle Peko and Mathieu Betts.

Starting with Betts, he’s coming off an 18-sack season in the CFL and not only did it earn him a contract with the Lions but it also helped him win the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award. While he is 29-years old, I’d have to think he should find a spot on the roster but nothing is guaranteed. He was brought onto the roster to compete and my guess is that he’s here to compete with James Houston.

Things are interesting with Houston. He broke his ankle in week 2 last season and was placed on injured reserve. Despite being activated off the IR in January of 2024, the Lions never played him. Houston did have 8 sacks as a rookie and he does provide plenty of juice off the edge. However, comments from Dan Campbell last season makes me wonder if he’s a player on the bubble this summer.

Lastly, the expectations shouldn’t be overly high for Kyle Peko. He’s got familiarity with Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams but he’s primarily been a rotational player in his career. With the Lions already having depth on the interior, he could be the odd man out this summer.

Regardless, the Lions have a deep roster of defensive lineman. With any down and distance, we could see any combination on the field. Those combinations should play to the strengths of the defense and it could be the difference maker to help this unit stay more consistent for the 2024 season.

LSU continues rebuild of defensive tackle room with 2 commits

LSU’s two newest additions on the defensive line are two more steps in the right direction.

When LSU hired [autotag]Bo Davis[/autotag] in January, I wrote about just how massive the addition was. It’s rare that a position coach can completely move the needle for a program, but that’s what Davis did at Texas.

Davis provided the Longhorns with the best interior defensive line in the country, headlined by T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II. According to PFF, the duo were the top two graded defensive tackles in the country. After working with Davis, both went on to be NFL draft picks.

Sweat and Murphy were both highly touted recruits, but neither was the slam-dunk prospect that some five stars are. Per 247Sports, Sweat was a three-star and the No. 27 ranked DT in his class. Murphy was a four-star but sat outside the top 250.

On July 4, Davis and LSU landed two DT prospects that fit similar criteria. Two composite four-stars in [autotag]Brandon Brown[/autotag] and [autotag]Zion Williams[/autotag]. Brown ranks as the No. 324 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings. Williams isn’t that far behind, sitting at No. 298.

They are the first two defensive tackle commits in LSU’s 2025 recruiting class which is sorely in need of interior defensive linemen. That’s why Davis was brought to LSU, to address that need at defensive tackle. Brown and Williams are the first steps to getting this room where it needs to be.

LSU hit the transfer portal to add depth for the upcoming year. The Tigers missed on top targets like [autotag]Damonic Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Simeon Barrow[/autotag] but added [autotag]Jay’Viar Suggs[/autotag] and [autotag]Gio Paez[/autotag]. The top piece is rising fifth-year senior [autotag]Jacobian Guillory[/autotag], but he’ll be off to the league after this year.

The Tigers have some prospects in the pipeline with [autotag]Dominick McKinley[/autotag], [autotag]De’Myrion Johnson[/autotag], and Ahmad Breaux, but you need to stack classes to get the needed depth.

A dominant interior defensive line can change the outlook for a defense. LSU thought they had that heading into 2023 with [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] and Mekhi Wingo, but poor defensive coaching mitigated that.

LSU got here because the defensive line coaching position has been a volatile spot for the Tigers. Just when LSU thought it had stability with [autotag]Jamar Cain[/autotag], he took an NFL job with the Broncos. It’s hard to find consistency and build relationships in recruiting when there’s a new face coaching the room every year.

LSU paid a heavy price for Davis, a former LSU defensive lineman in his own right. They’re hoping this is more than just a one-year thing. Davis has coached at LSU before, he was a part of national titles at Alabama and helped lead Texas to the playoff in 2023. The goal is for Davis to stick around and build something.

We’ve seen the job [autotag]Brad Davis[/autotag] has done with the offensive line. He took a mediocre unit and built it into one of the best offensive lines in the country. If Bo Davis can have a similar impact on the defensive line, LSU will be competing for SEC titles year after year.

The skill positions will never be much of a question. Louisiana has a way of producing elite receivers and running backs. Quarterback isn’t an issue that plagues the program anymore either.

Defensive tackle is, by far, LSU’s biggest question mark entering the year. It’s the one thing holding LSU back. With additions like Brown and Williams, that’s on its way to being fixed.

There’s a strong defensive tackle group within the state in 2026. That gives Davis and company the chance to keep up the momentum.

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Three underrated defenders for the Lions defense

Three underrated defenders for the Lions defense that could shine in 2024, from Lions Wire’s Russell Brown

With the Detroit Lions and several other teams having mini-camps and off-season workouts over the last few weeks, it opens the door for predictions on each teams roster.

For the Lions, there’s a belief that their team has gotten better this off-season. I would agree with that, specifically with their defense. By adding Ennis Rakestraw and Terrion Arnold, they appear to have a long-term plan at cornerback for the first time in a long time.

Those aren’t the only two players the Lions have added to their defense. There are several other defenders that they’ve drafted and signed or traded for in free agency. Let’s take a look at three defenders that are underrated right now but they could have a huge impact this season for the Lions!

DL Mekhi Wingo

Drafted in the 6th round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Wingo adds depth to the Lions revamped defensive line. Despite being undersized as an interior defensive lineman, Wingo provides power and versatility for the Lions.

At the Scouting Combine, Wingo put up 225 pounds a total of 25 times and it shows on tape with his ability to bull-rush offensive lineman. Additionally, he played in multiple spots along the LSU defensive front. In his 22 games played for the Tigers, he was able to compile 71 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.

Even though Wingo may not contribute right away, there could be an opportunity for him to have a serious role later in the season for Detroit. There’s some uncertainty on what role Levi Onwuzurike will have but he’s also dealt with injuries early in his career. In addition to his injuries, the health of D.J. Reader could be a factor as he’s dealt with consecutive seasons with torn quads.

Lastly, what type of season will the Lions get from Brodric Martin? He arrived at camp this year in shape and looks much stronger from his rookie season. Meanwhile, he appears to be motivated by Lions veterans of Alim McNeill and D.J. Reader. But if an injury occurs or a player’s conditioning comes into question, I could see a path for Wingo to carve out a role this season.

After all, the Lions lost Benito Jones to the Miami Dolphins in free agency and he played 567 defensive snaps (51.92%) last season. Even though he probably won’t eat up all those snaps, there could be more contribution from Wingo than originally expected. With that, he could be one of the more underrated defenders on the Lions roster.

CB Amik Robertson

Adding to the list of underrated players, we could see a scenario where Amik Robertson rarely leaves the field for Detroit. Signed on a two-year deal, Robertson brings experience and an aggressive style of play to the Lions defense that will be coveted.

Last season, he started in 12 games for the Raiders and he played 675 defensive snaps (59.58%). Over the last two seasons, he’s started 19 games and has only allowed 78 receptions during that span.

https://x.com/MHolder95/status/1721632674199335093

Much of the reasoning to why Robertson may rarely leave the field is due to my thought of the Lions playing more nickel and dime packages than they have in the past. They have more depth in their secondary than year’s past but they’ve also got two rookie cornerbacks that could ease into their roles. Especially Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

In addition to this, the Lions defensive snap leader a season ago was Cameron Sutton with 1,077 snaps (98.6%). Sure, they traded for cornerback Carlton Davis but if there’s any type of injury to Davis, that makes Robertson that much more valuable. Look for him to be overlooked but don’t be surprised if he has strong contributions to the defense.

EDGE Marcus Davenport

Now this one may be a stretch but if Marcus Davenport can stay healthy, he should be able to produce at a relatively high level for Detroit. After all, he’s not the first defensive end the Lions have spent a one-year contract on for them to earn another contract with the team.

John Cominksy and Charles Harris are perfect examples of that.

While the Lions have since moved on from Charles Harris, he did play 292 defensive snaps (26.74%) last season. Meanwhile, John Cominsky played 569 defensive snaps (52.11%) last season. If healthy, it wouldn’t be surprising if Cominsky and Davenport split those snaps.

https://x.com/BGWhitefield/status/1767575779926307266

For Davenport, he only played 118 snaps last season and was placed on injured reserve after suffering a high ankle sprain in week 6. If there’s anyway he can tap into the player that he used to be, we’ll see a defensive end that plays well laterally but is also able to turn speed-to-power consistently.

When he’s able to do that, the results are there. From 2018 to 2021, he compiled 21 total sacks. We should all remain hopeful that Davenport can become that player once again. Especially since he’ll be paired with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson for most of this season.

 

Detroit Lions Podcast: Bish and Brown on the Lions 2024 NFL Draft class and Goff extension

Detroit Lions Podcast: Lions Wire’s Scott Bischoff and Russ Brown break down the Lions 2024 NFL Draft class and Goff extension

Russell Brown and Scott Bischoff return on the Detroit Lions Podcast! In this episode, the guys talk about the following:

  • In-depth analysis on each draft pick from the Lions 2024 NFL Draft Class
  • Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw give the Lions a long-term plan at cornerback.
  • They have a day 3 pick that could start right now?
  • The final segment of the show is about the Jared Goff extension with the Lions.

The guys get into all that and more right here on the Detroit Lions Podcast! Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the show with YouTube, Apple Podcast, Spotify and wherever you get your favorite shows!

Lions sign four 2024 draft picks ahead of rookie minicamp

Lions sign four 2024 draft picks ahead of rookie minicamp as well as several UDFAs

As rookie minicamp is set to kick off on Friday, the Detroit Lions took care of some formalities with some of the participants. The Lions announced they have signed four members of the team’s draft class of 2024.

The Lions signed the final four selections of their class:

OL Giovanni Manu

RB Sione Vaki

DL Mekhi Wingo

OG Christian Mahogany

All received their standard contract commensurate with their draft slot, as predetermined by the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement with the NFLPA.

Detroit also signed several undrafted rookie free agents:

WR Jalon Calhoun – Duke
LB Steele Chambers – Ohio State
C Duke Clemens – UCLA
C Kingsley Eguakun – Florida
S Chelen Garnes – Wake Forest
LB DaRon Gilbert – Northern Illinois
LS Hogan Hatten – Idaho
C Bryan Hudson – Louisville
OLB Nate Lynn – William & Mary
CB Morice Norris – Fresno State
TE Isaac Rex – BYU
S Loren Strickland – Ball State
K James Turner – Michigan
OLB Isaac Ukwu – Mississippi
WR Isaiah Williams – Illinois

All are expected to be in action later today when minicamp starts.

LSU misses out another top defensive tackle transfer target

The Tigers are running out of options in the portal after Simeon Barrow Jr. committed to Miami.

LSU has a big need at defensive tackle in the spring transfer portal window, but its list of options is quickly dwindling.

After [autotag]Damonic Williams[/autotag] committed to Oklahoma on Thursday night, the Tigers got more bad news on Friday night when Michigan State defensive tackle transfer [autotag]Simeon Barrow Jr.[/autotag] committed to Miami, a move that many analysts predicted.

Without an addition to the defensive tackle room to this point, the Tigers are down to just two players who have game experience in [autotag]Jacobian Guillory[/autotag] and [autotag]Jalen Lee[/autotag] after [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] and [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] left for the draft.

The need at the position persists, and it’s getting to be slim pickings. Barrow ranked as the No. 7 defensive lineman in the portal, one spot behind Williams.

In four years with the Spartans, the Grovetown, Georgia, native appeared in 34 games with 30 starts. He had 110 career tackles with 18.5 for loss and 10.5 sacks. He also blocked a pair of field goals, forced two fumbles and recovered one.

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Lions end Mekhi Wingo’s 2024 NFL draft slide, pick him in sixth round

Mekhi Wingo lasted longer than many expected, but he’ll join a loaded roster in Detroit.

It took a bit longer than a lot of pre-draft projections were expecting, but [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] became the sixth LSU player selected in the 2024 NFL draft on Saturday when he was taken with the 189th pick in the sixth round by the Detroit Lions.

Wingo was widely seen as an early Day 3 or even potentially a late Day 2 pick, but instead, he slid to the draft’s penultimate round likely due to concerns about his size at 6-foot.

A transfer from Missouri, Wingo became an All-SEC player in two seasons at LSU and was largely the anchor of the defensive line, particularly stepping up in 2022 when fellow draft pick [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] went down with an ACL tear in the season opener.

Wingo appeared in 22 games with 20 starts in two seasons at LSU, totaling 71 tackles (11 for loss), 7.5 sacks and four pass breakups. He earned Third Team All-American and Second Team All-SEC honors in 2022 but was limited to just eight appearances in 2023 as he went down with an injury against Auburn.

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Lions select LSU DT Mekhi Wingo in the 6th round

Lions select LSU DT Mekhi Wingo in the 6th round

With the 189th pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions selected LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo.

The Lions are adding in Wingo, a 6-foot, 280-pound Tiger who recorded 4.5 sacks and 5.5 TFLs in eight games in 2023. He missed the end of the regular season with a lower body injury that required surgery, but made it back in time to play in LSU’s bowl game.

He’s an undersized tackle but very active with his hands and has a motor that does not quit. Wingo did see some action playing at DE for LSU and he fits the size profile similar to how the Lions have deployed Josh Paschal and John Cominsky, only with shorter arms than both.

Wingo brings a lot of positive energy and vocal leadership. He earned the coveted No. 18 jersey at LSU, a sign of how quickly he fit in after transferring from Missouri after his freshman year.

 

DT Jordan Jefferson drafted in 4th round, becomes 3rd LSU player selected by Jaguars

Jordan Jefferson is joining Brian Thomas Jr. and Maason Smith in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars are importing the bayou to northeast Florida, it seems.

Jacksonville selected LSU defensive tackle [autotag]Jordan Jefferson[/autotag] with the 116th pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft on Saturday, making him the third former Tiger the team has picked this weekend.

He joins first-round selection [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] and second-round selection [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] in Duval. The move will also pair him and Smith up once again with former LSU defensive coordinator [autotag]Matt House[/autotag], who was hired as the Jags’ linebackers coach this offseason.

Jefferson spent just one season at LSU as a graduate transfer from West Virginia. He began the season as a rotational player but became a starter when [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] went down with injury.

 

Jefferson appeared in 13 games with six starts at LSU in 2023, totaling 36 tackles (seven for loss) and 2.5 sacks.

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