Two LSU defensive tackles picked on final day of NFL Draft

Two defensive linemen from LSU were taken Saturday in the NFL Draft.

In this year’s NFL Draft, Jordan Jefferson joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as their third pick from LSU in the fourth round and Mekhi Wingo found a home with the Detroit Lions as the No. 189 overall pick in the sixth round.

Selected at No. 116 overall in the fourth round, Jefferson joined Tiger teammates Brian Thomas Jr. and Maason Smith as 2024 Jacksonville draft choices. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 317 pounds, Jefferson, who played in 13 games, including six starts, for LSU last season, showcased his skills with 36 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

Before his stint at LSU, Jefferson spent four years with West Virginia.

Beginning his college career at Missouri, Wingo earned recognition with SEC Freshman All-SEC honors in 2021, displaying his talent with 27 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack.

Upon transferring to LSU, the 6-foot-1, 295-pound junior made an immediate impact, starting in 13 games and earning AP All-American Third-Team honors with 47 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Despite missing four games due to injury in 2023, Wingo tallied 25 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks for the Tigers.

Overall, six LSU players were taken in the 2024 draft.