Despite injury history and age, Akheem Mesidor's dominant pass-rushing prowess lands him with the Chargers, ready to impact the league.
In the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Akheem Mesidor was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 22nd pick. He became the sixth Canadian, growing up in Ottawa, Ontario, to be selected in the opening round.
Mesidor battled significant injuries throughout six years in college football, but wrapped up on a dominant note. He recorded 827 total snaps, 63 total tackles, 38 solos and 25 assists, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, 67 total pressures, four hits, and 51 hurries, starting in 15 games with the Hurricanes this past season.
The 25-year-old is viewed as a ready-now rookie and regarded as the purest pass rusher in the class. He listed at 6-3, 259 pounds, with a 32 1/8 inch arm length, and 10-inch hands. Mesidor didn’t participate in workouts at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, but took part in Miami’s Pro Day in front of all 32 NFL teams.
Rueben Bain Jr. was viewed as the bigger star on the field and around the Coral Gables campus, but Mesidor displayed just as much dominance when lined up. He was able to wreak havoc among opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks, looking to continue to trend at the highest level of football.
In a recent feature from TSN Sports, Mesidor originally didn’t have NFL aspirations. After overcoming personal adversity dating back to childhood, the Ottawa native will have an opportunity to live out a once-doubted dream.
The Chargers had the fifth-best-ranked defense last season and finished tied for seventh with 45 total sacks. Mesidor looks to strengthen the team’s pass-rushing unit. He’s likely to earn an immediate rotation spot.
Mesidor was not present at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He cherished the moment among close family and friends in Ottawa.
The Chargers' selection marked the first time in the Hurricanes' football program history that three linemen were taken in the first round, alongside offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and Bain Jr.
Mesidor is capable of stepping on the biggest stages. In four College Football Playoff games, he recorded 17 total tackles, 12 solos and five assists, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks, including two against quarterback Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers in the National Championship.
After four crucial seasons with the Hurricanes, Mesidor steps foot into the highest level of football.
The Chargers have made the playoffs in three of the last four years, but haven’t made it past the Wild Card Round. The highly-touted prospect looks to change that.
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