Why Mekhi Wingo Could Be ‘Special’ for the Lions in 2025

A Rookie Season Cut Short
Mekhi Wingo’s first season in the NFL was filled with promise, but it was cut short due to a knee injury. The Detroit Lions’ sixth-round pick out of LSU managed to make an impression before his setback, playing in 11 games and recording five pressures across 177 defensive snaps. While his statistical impact was modest—just nine total tackles, including one solo and one quarterback hit—his presence on the field showed glimpses of the player he could become.

Now, as he enters his second season, expectations remain high. With a year of experience under his belt and a full offseason to recover, Wingo is poised to take a big leap forward in 2025.

Elite Potential Recognized by Coaches
Wingo’s personal defensive line coach, Brandon Tucker, has worked with some of the best defensive prospects in the game, including Michigan stars Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. When discussing Wingo’s potential, Tucker made it clear that the Lions have something special on their hands.

“He’s going to be special,” Tucker said in an interview with the Detroit Free Press. “They saw flashes of it, especially in practice. He’ll be just fine.”

Tucker’s confidence in Wingo isn’t just based on raw talent. He’s seen firsthand how Wingo has adjusted to the speed of the NFL and has been working closely with him to regain his explosiveness after injury.

Adapting to the NFL’s Pace
Transitioning from college football to the NFL is always a challenge, but Wingo now has a clearer understanding of what’s required at the pro level. According to Tucker, the young lineman has learned to adjust to the physicality and speed of the game.

“Now he’s accustomed to the tempo and the pace of play versus coming fresh out of college he didn’t know,” Tucker explained. “He knows now, so he can prepare for the physicality and the pace and everything else. He’s got it now.”

That experience, combined with his natural talent and work ethic, sets Wingo up for a strong sophomore season in Detroit.

Competing for a Bigger Role in 2025
The Lions’ defensive line is shaping up to be a formidable unit, featuring established names like Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, DJ Reader, and Roy Lopez. Wingo will need to earn his snaps, but his versatility and explosiveness give him a chance to carve out a significant role.

If he can stay healthy and continue refining his technique, he could become an essential part of Detroit’s defensive rotation. His ability to create pressure from the interior and disrupt opposing offenses will be a major asset for the Lions in their quest for a deep playoff run.

A Breakout Season on the Horizon?
Every season, unexpected players emerge as key contributors in the NFL. If Wingo can stay on the field and build on the flashes he showed as a rookie, he has a real shot at being one of those breakout stars for Detroit in 2025.

With a year of learning, a strong support system, and a team that believes in his potential, Wingo’s second season could be the one where he makes a name for himself in the league.