Should the Chargers select Akheem Mesidor?
The NFL Draft is swiftly approaching, and fans should begin to familiarize themselves with potential prospects for their teams. The Los Angeles Chargers frequently mocked an offensive player at pick 22, but they should heavily consider improving on defense. One of the most intriguing options for them is Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor. He would step in and instantly help improve the Chargers defense.
The Chargers need to invest in an edge rusher this offseason. Tuli Tuipulotu is a star, having a breakout season with 13 sacks, but they are lacking depth behind him. Odafe Oweh is a free agent, and Khalil Mack is now 35 years old. It was a formidable group in 2025, but it needs improvement before next season.
Mesidor was sparsely talked about during the season because of his running mate, Rueben Bain. However, he was dominant and a key reason Miami made the National Championship game. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound edge rusher had 12.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 67 pressures in 2025. His elite explosiveness, chaotic nature, and developed skillset make him a high-impact player who will see snaps early in his career.
Mesidor is relentless while rushing the passer. He has an amazing first step and always plays with impressive tempo. His hand usage matches this and is constantly working on displacing the opposing lineman. His energy is palpable and helps boost the entire defensive line. He can get chaotic at times, but he’s endlessly focused on reaching the quarterback.
Beyond this, he’s a developed pass rusher. Mesidor has multiple moves he rotates through, which keeps the lineman guessing. This, paired with his elite motor, makes it nearly impossible to block him for long. He simply wants it more than the opposition, oftentimes leading to pressures or sacks. Every defensive coordinator seeks this mentality, so he will likely instantly become a favorite of theirs.
The biggest issue with Mesidor is his age and strength. He’s one of the oldest players in the draft, nearly 25 years old, which may have some teams question his longevity. Additionally, he needs to improve his strength against the run game. He can often be eliminated from plays if a lineman can get their hands on him.
Regardless of these issues, Akheem Mesidor is still one of the top edge rusher prospects in the draft. He would be an excellent option for the Chargers and would help develop a strong pass rush for years to come.