The Detroit Lions appear to be reshaping their interior defensive line, and that shift could put young defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo at risk of losing his roster spot following the 2026 NFL Draft.

Wingo, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU Tigers football, initially looked like an intriguing developmental piece for Detroit’s defensive front. Known for his quickness, flexibility and burst as an interior defender, Wingo showed potential as a disruptive pass rusher from the defensive tackle position.

Early Promise in Rookie Season

As a rookie in 2024, Wingo carved out a role in Detroit’s defensive line rotation. He appeared in 11 games and played 176 defensive snaps before suffering a meniscus injury on Thanksgiving that ended his season early.

Despite the setback, he managed to record nine tackles and one quarterback hit — solid production for a sixth-round rookie adjusting to the NFL level.

However, Wingo’s role dramatically declined during the 2025 season. He appeared in just two games and was listed as a healthy scratch for 14 consecutive contests. Interestingly, his only appearances came during Detroit’s two victories over the Chicago Bears.

Across those limited opportunities, Wingo played just 59 snaps and finished the season with three tackles.

Lions Add More Defensive Line Depth in Draft

Detroit’s actions in the 2026 draft may signal further challenges for Wingo’s roster chances.

With their final two selections, the Lions added defensive tackles Skyler Gill-Howard from Texas Tech Red Raiders football in the sixth round and Tyre West from Tennessee Volunteers football in the seventh round.

Gill-Howard profiles as a lighter three-technique defensive tackle with strong pass-rushing ability — a role similar to Wingo’s skill set. Meanwhile, West brings inside-outside versatility, giving Detroit another flexible option along the defensive front.

Interior Defensive Line Remains a Major Need

Detroit’s defensive tackle depth chart has also changed following the departures of veterans D. J. Reader and Roy Lopez, who left in free agency to rejoin the Arizona Cardinals.

One of the most overlooked issues during Detroit’s disappointing 2025 campaign was the regression of its interior defensive line.

In 2024, the Lions’ defensive tackle pairing of Alim McNeill and Reader ranked among the league’s most effective units, helping Detroit allow the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game.

However, McNeill suffered a torn ACL late in that season and struggled to regain his previous dominance after returning in October 2025. Reader, who entered the year at age 31, also showed signs of decline.

Detroit started the 2025 season strong against the run, allowing just 87.7 rushing yards per game through the first seven weeks — the fourth-best mark in the NFL. But the defense faltered down the stretch, surrendering 133.3 rushing yards per game over the final 10 weeks.

The Lions also struggled to generate disruption from the interior defensive line. Detroit recorded only 20 negative rushing plays all season — the second-fewest in the league — and defensive tackles accounted for just five of the team’s 49 sacks.

2026 Could Be Make-or-Break for Wingo

Improvement along the defensive line could come from internal development. Detroit will likely rely on a second-year leap from nose tackle Tyleik Williams, a first-round selection in 2025, while also hoping McNeill returns to something close to his pre-injury form.

Still, Wingo’s declining role and the team’s draft additions suggest Detroit may be moving in a different direction.

Once viewed as a rising defensive line prospect, Wingo now faces a critical stretch in his career. If he manages to retain a roster spot entering the 2026 season, it could represent a make-or-break opportunity to prove he belongs in the Lions’ long-term defensive plans.