LSU had a solid defense in 2022, with the front 7 holding its own against some of the SEC’s best offenses.

One of the keys to LSU’s stout defensive front was Mizzou transfer DL Mekhi Wingo, who finished the 2022 season with 47 tackles, good for 8th on the team. Six of those tackles were for a loss. He also had 3 sacks, 4 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 forced fumble.

But with Jaquelin Roy and BJ Ojulari leaving for the NFL Draft, Wingo will have to step up into a bigger role in 2023. Fortunately, he has the talent to do just that. In fact, Pro Football Focus ranks Wingo as the No. 3 returning defensive tackle for 2023:

Wingo is the only SEC defensive tackle to make the cut on PFF’s list, which is interesting for a league that is usually very deep at that position.

We’ll see if Wingo can take another step forward for the Tigers in 2023!