Age looms over Mesidor's impressive college stats, raising questions about his long-term NFL future with the Chargers.
New Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Akheem Mesidor is one of the top players in the 2026 NFL draft class. That is, based on his college production. The former Miami Hurricanes edge rusher put up an impressive campaign in his team's run to the national title game.
Mesidor and teammate Rueben Bain Jr. went off in the College Football Playoff for Miami in the postseason making a name for themselves as NFL draft prospect. Bain's draft stock came out higher from the showcase, but Mesidor received mixed reviews for one reason: Mesidor is 25 years old.
The doubt over Mesidor's longevity continued in the week that followed the NFL draft. Jason Garcia of Heavy wrote on what some are saying of the Chargers' first round selection with the No. 23 pick. Here's what Garcia had to say about Los Angeles' controversial pick.
"While Akheem Mesidor is a pro-ready talent, one league executive questions the future of the EDGE rusher after his rookie contract.
In his final collegiate season, Akheem Mesidor logged 12.5 sacks on the Miami Hurricanes squad that reached the College Football Playoff Championship Game and could be an immediate starter in new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary’s defense.
While Mesidor is likely to be a huge piece for the Bolts in his first few seasons in the league, an anonymous NFC executive is questioning his future before playing his first snap in the NFL. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler released his latest notes after the draft, with an executive questioning the Chargers’ willingness to give Mesidor a second contract, as he will be approaching 30.
'He’s going to be a really good first-contract guy, there’s little doubt about that,' an NFC executive said, via ESPN. 'The question becomes what do you pay him when he’s close to 30 and wants a new deal?'"
Los Angeles Chargers linebackers coach Sean Spence speaks at press conference at The Bolt. Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThat Mesidor is too old to draft with the No. 23 pick is really up to individual. Do you want a ready-made NFL starter, or do you want to develop a 22-year-old player into a starter? The Chargers may be able to skip that process altogether with Mesidor. The question is longevity.
The Chargers will have to live with the possibility that Mesidor's career will be three years shorter than it would have been had he entered at 22 years old. That said, a 10-year career for Mesidor seems well within reason. The Miami edge will look to prove doubters wrong in his first season in Los Angeles.