The word “Grit” is something of a catchphrase for the Dan Campbell edition of the Detroit Lions. Campbell himself frequently dons a hat emblazoned with grit in all caps.
It’s more than a slogan. It’s a mindset that is required to become a successful member of these Detroit Lions. That grit is something that was easy to spot in Detroit’s sixth-round draft pick, defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo from LSU.
Wingo certainly checked that grit box. Wingo’s choice to play in LSU’s bowl game despite missing the end of the Tigers season with an injury is grit epitomized.
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“It’s a mindset that was instilled in me since I was young,” Wingo said after a practice this week. “I was given the number 18 by (LSU), the first transfer to ever wear the number 18. I felt like I didn’t get my full season and I didn’t want it to go to waste.”
Wingo continued,
“I felt like I owed it to myself and owed it to my team.”
It’s that team-first mindset that is helping Wingo acclimate quickly to Detroit’s defensive line. Wingo, now wearing No. 94, credits linemate Alim McNeill for going out of his way to help him learn the finer points of playing tackle in the NFL despite not having great length. Wingo is six feet tall and currently weighs 288.
“He’s been teaching me how to take on double teams from (McNeill), how to work different techniques. And watching how he sets up his rushes to get to his winning moves,” Wingo said.
Wingo also praised new Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams.
“He’s great,” Wingo said with an excited smile. “He doesn’t try to coach every guy the same. He knows I’m an undersized guy, so he gives me tools that help me — you know, my game is different from bigger guys we have on the team. He lets me put my spin on things.”
Wingo has spent most of training camp working with the second-team defense, playing all over the line–even standing up at DE from time to time. Wingo bagged a would-be sack during Friday’s scrimmage and has been stout against the run ever since the pads came on. He’s nicely carving out a spot for himself with his gritty, mature approach.