Former LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo hopes to hear his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft.
He started at Missouri in 2021 but then ended his career at LSU. Before his NFL career begins, let’s review Wingo’s background as a draft prospect.
How Tall Is Mekhi Wingo?
Wingo stands just over 6’1″, which has him in just the second percentile when it comes to defensive tackles. That is an obvious huge disadvantage for him, as many offensive linemen are going to stand at least 6’3”, and often up to 6’7”.
Wingo’s arm length of 32″ (13th percentile) and wingspan of 77 3/8″ (20th percentile) are each way below average for his position.
Although he is undersized, that doesn’t mean Wingo can’t have success at the next level. One great example is Aaron Donald, who had major size concerns as an NFL Draft prospect before becoming a future Hall of Famer.
How Much Does Wingo Weigh?
Not only is he short for the position, but Wingo’s weight is also on the lower end of size for defensive tackles as well. Wingo weighed in at 284 pounds, which puts him in the sixth percentile at the position.
MORE: Top DTs in the 2024 NFL Draft
He has a vertical jump of 31 1/2” (76th percentile), but it is his speed and burst where he separates himself from other defensive tackles.
His 40-yard dash time was 4.81 seconds (93rd percentile), while his 10-yard split was 1.64 seconds (95th percentile).
How Old Is Wingo?
Wingo was born on April 17, 2003, in St. Louis, meaning he just turned 21 years old.
As a 21-year-old rookie, teams are going to be able to look at Wingo and think there is still a ton of time for him to develop into a contributing player.
What College Did Wingo Go To?
Wingo started his collegiate career at Missouri in 2021. He played in only one season during his time in Columbia, Mo., before transferring to play at LSU.
He played his final two seasons for coach Brian Kelly in Baton Rouge, La., and decided to head to the NFL after his junior campaign.
Revisiting Wingo’s College Career
Wingo decided to stay in his home state to start his collegiate career at Missouri.
He was able to contribute right away for the Tigers, as he finished his freshman season with 27 tackles and one interception. He returned that interception for a 40-yard touchdown, showcasing the elite athleticism that has made him a big-time prospect.
After the one year in Missouri, Wingo entered the transfer portal where he was a sought-out prospect. He was one of the top players in the portal, and he decided to go play at LSU.
In his first season at LSU, he finished with 43 tackles, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries. He battled injuries last season, and he was able to play in only eight games.
One thing that stood out was that he was No. 18. To wear the No. 18 at LSU is a tremendous honor, as it is awarded to the hardest-working player on the team in honor of Jacob Hester. It was only the third time in LSU history that a defensive tackle got to wear the number.
Wingo’s Potential in the NFL
Wingo is a very interesting prospect in this class. The size will definitely be an issue in the eyes of some scouts and general managers, but many things make him intriguing. The fact he was awarded that No. 18 was something that was talked about a lot at the NFL Combine.
Pro Football Network draft analyst Ian Cummings says that while the size is definitely an issue, there is room for guys like him in the NFL.
“Undersized but effective disruptors always have a place in the NFL, and Wingo fits that mold to a tee,” Cummings said. “He’s a narrow-built, sawed-off interior defensive lineman who only has middling length — but he more than compensates with his bristling explosiveness, speed-to-power, pass-rush arsenal, and relentless motor.”
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Mekhi Wingo
There is going to be a lot of talk about Wingo. Some teams are going to be hesitant to draft him because he is undersized or because his lack of reach will give him problems dealing with blockers. However, there will be teams who fall in love with the work ethic and motor that he has as well.
“All this being considered, Wingo is still an ultra-dynamic pass-rushing threat with a full hand-usage arsenal, wicked one-step burst and lateral agility, a formidable speed-to-power profile, and an unyielding motor that makes him not only a constant threat in pursuit but also an emotional leader for the defense.”
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