The Detroit Lions felt they found extremely good value when they selected LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo in the sixth round of April's draft. Week 1 of the preseason showed it, right away.
While the Lions lost 14-3 to the New York Giants. On the defensive side of the ball, Wingo caught the attention of analysts for his work in the game.
Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus noted one particular play from Wingo against New York.
Absolutely should not have been a sixth rounder. Crazy talk https://t.co/81ToF8cCyj
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) August 9, 2024
Wingo didn't register a stat in the game, but stats are obviously not always the full story. As that play above showed, it could only be a matter of time before he shows up on the stat sheet.
The Lions may not need Wingo to play a big role right away as a rookie, given the presence of Alim McNeill, DJ Reader and others on the interior defensive line. His upside is clear already though, whenever he may get on the field.
Dan Campbell praises Mekhi Wingo for his good work vs. Giants
As Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News noted, Lions head coach Dan Campbell brought up Wingo first when discussing the team's defensive performance against the Giants.
Lions rookie Mekhi Wingo with a pressure up the middle.
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) August 9, 2024
He was the first defensive player named when Dan Campbell was asked who stood out to him right after the game.
“I thought you could feel him a little bit in there.” pic.twitter.com/oJCzpGHw4q
In terms of the depth chart, Wingo may have been the benefactor of an unfortunate injury situation that played out against the Giants. Nose tackle David Bada exited the game and was later said to have suffered an Achilles injury which will keep him out for the season. That could mean an even bigger opportunity for Wingo to showcase his skills over the rest of the preseason.
What type of role Wingo might earn for this season with the Lions will be decided by his evolution as a player, and if he can perhaps improve against the run. For now, though, it's clear he is already significantly outplaying his draft position