Round 2 (63): Mekhi Wingo, LSU, IDL
How he fits: With the potential loss of Chris Jones looming large for the defensive line, the Chiefs will need plenty of help on the interior. There's no replacing a star like Jones; instead, they will need to replace him in the aggregate.
Wingo profiles similarly to several day-two interior defensive linemen as a solid run defender with pass-rushing upside. Even more, he wears #18 for the Tigers, a number reserved for a team leader.
Wingo has missed some time due to injury this year, not playing since September. In five games played he's already logged 2.5 sacks and 3 tackles for a loss. His frame will need more weight for the NFL level to play on early downs inside though. His high football character shows in his play too, he has a high motor and rarely gives up on a play.
Similar to Jones he can kick outside on passing downs as well, another tweener for the Chiefs pass rush. Another added bonus for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Shades of: Breeland Speaks (hope for better)
LSU DL Mekhi Wingo has some fun snaps! @LSUfootball
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) April 12, 2023
6’0 290lb DT that kicks out to DE in some subpackage fronts
Speed-to-power from snug alignment, then straight runway power from wide alignment (dumps Steen). This kid is powerful and has the ‘natural’ leverage working for him pic.twitter.com/qJU1BLpyrc