LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo is an experienced and productive defensive prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Wingo showcased true development this past season by recording a career-high 4.5 sacks. Wingo also added five tackles for loss in just eight regular-season appearances.
Wingo recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his upcoming appearance at the NFL Scouting Combine, his skill set as a run defender and pass rusher, what led to his improvement, his relationship with coach Brian Kelly, and more.
JM: You had a great season despite being limited. You recorded a career-best 4.5 sacks in just eight games. What led to that improvement as a pass rusher this season?
Mekhi Wingo: Honestly, I placed a big emphasis on wanting to improve my pass-rushing production coming into the season. I did a better job coming up with pre-snap plans. I watched more film and really committed myself. I was really focused on how offensive linemen slide protections.
Does this team slide away from the running back and things of that nature? I think I took a new approach that was very successful for me. I’m glad that I was able to capture a career-high amount of sacks in a single season.
JM: What is the current status of your injury? Have you fully recovered?
Mekhi Wingo: Yes sir. I am 100% recovered. I don’t have any limitations. I’m doing everything. It was just a core muscle thing that needed cleaning up.
JM: You received an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine. Congratulations. What drills and events are you most looking forward to?
Mekhi Wingo: I appreciate the kind words. I’m definitely looking forward to running the 40-yard dash. I’m looking forward to the bench press, and honestly, all of the change-of-direction drills as well. I pride myself on being a guy that moves well laterally. I’m excited for those drills that showcase my change of direction.
JM: Would you say you’re more developed as a pass rusher, or as a run stopper at this point in time?
Mekhi Wingo: I think I’m fairly well-developed in both areas at this point in my career. Obviously, there are areas for improvement as well both as a pass rusher and run stopper. I’m never a finished product or a perfect prospect. I think I’m a very good player, but I have a long way to go in both areas.
JM: Now that you’ve had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Missouri to LSU?
Mekhi Wingo: I think it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. I really appreciate the coaching staff and the friends I made at Missouri. I still talk to those guys every day. It was in my best interest to make that switch and take myself to LSU.
I went to an LSU program with a very high standard for itself. I was in an environment where I was pushed to be my best on a daily basis. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m glad I made that decision.
JM: How did coach Brian Kelly play a hand in your development over the past two seasons?
Mekhi Wingo: Coach Kelly makes sure we understand the small things that play a major role in the grand scheme of things. We never skip a detail. When we watch the film, we watch for the smallest things that require correction. It’s about making the right changes in your life that help you develop into a great football player.
JM: You had a bunch of great teammates this year at LSU, and even last year as well. If you were going to war tomorrow and could only bring one with you, who would you bring and why?
Mekhi Wingo: Can I go even deeper into my past? Does it have to be from LSU?
JM: I’ll open that possibility to you.
Mekhi Wingo: I love every teammate, but Darius Robinson from Missouri is my best friend. That’s my guy right there. He’s somebody that I really look up to. He’s a guy that really showed me the ropes and how things go in college football.
He was like a veteran for me when I was coming in. He taught me how to take care of my body. He showed me how to get into the film room and how to work out. I just appreciate him so much. That’s my guy right there.
JM: We love hearing that. Darius Robinson is having a great process himself, and he sounds like a selfless teammate. We’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of player and person is a team getting when they select Mekhi Wingo in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Mekhi Wingo: When you draft Mekhi Wingo, you’re getting a guy that is going to give you everything he has. I play every snap like it’s my last. You’re getting an effective defender both as a pass rusher and run defender.
I’m going to push the pocket and get tackles for loss. That’s what I do.
