Mekhi Wingo
DT, LSU · 2024 NFL Draft, Round 6, pick #189 (DET)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: availability. Details below.
The 2024 class is only 2 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Availability
Played 13 of ~34 possible regular-season games from 2024 through 2025 (~38%).
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #88 overall (#10 at his position), but he lasted until pick #189: teams let him slide 101 spots past that ranking.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53.2% of the time (654 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
LSU: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.85 40-yard dash at 284 lbs: faster than 60% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DT (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a bust for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 13 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 1 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 1.0 |
| Defense | 3 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2025 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2024 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2024 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Slid 32+ picks past ESPN's rank | 53.2% n=654 | |
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 0", 284 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.85 s |
| Bench press | 25 reps |
| Vertical | 31.5" |
| Broad jump | 109" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #88 overall (#10 DT) |
Picked around him 2024 redraft
| 186 | Jase McClellan | redraft #235 |
| 187 | Casey Washington | redraft #188 |
| 188 | Jamal Hill | redraft #155 |
| 190 | Dylan McMahon | redraft #238 |
| 191 | Tejhaun Palmer | redraft #239 |
| 192 | D.J. James | redraft #240 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.