Mesidor brings a polished, pro-ready pass rush. He's poised to immediately disrupt opposing offenses and bridge the gap to the Saints' defensive future.
With the 8th overall pick already in the books (where the Saints likely targeted a playmaker like Jeremiyah Love or a lockdown corner like Mansoor Delane), Mickey Loomis and the front office went back to a familiar well in the second round, the defensive line. By selecting Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, New Orleans isn't just adding "depth", they’re adding a relentless, pro-ready disruptor who could finally bridge the gap between the Cam Jordan era and the future.
The Fit: Polished, Productive, and "Staley-Ready"
While some fans might balk at drafting a 25-year-old rookie, Mesidor’s age is exactly why he’s a "Saints pick." Under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, the Saints' scheme requires players who can handle complex assignments and multiple alignments. Mesidor isn't a project; he’s a finished product who led the ACC with 12.5 sacks in 2025 and showcased a terrifying 37.5% pass-rush win rate.
In a division where Tyler Shough has stabilized the Saints' offense, the defense needs to be able to close out games. Mesidor’s performance in the 2025 College Football Playoff—racking up 5.5 sacks in four games—proves he has the "clutch" gene the Saints’ pass rush has lacked in recent late-season collapses.
Why It Works for New Orleans
The "Inside-Out" Threat: At 6’3” and 280 lbs, Mesidor has the frame to play the traditional Saints "Big End" role but the twitch to kick inside on third downs.
Cam Jordan’s Heir Apparent: With Jordan's legendary career winding down, Mesidor provides a similar high-motor, high-IQ style of play. He’s the physical anchor that allows Chase Young to pin his ears back and hunt.
Immediate Impact over "Upside": The Saints are in a "win-now" window with Shough’s rookie contract. They couldn't afford a raw athlete who needs two years to learn how to shed a block. Mesidor’s heavy hands and advanced pass-rush plan mean he’ll be in the rotation by Week 1.
The Counter-Argument: The "Age Ceiling"
The inevitable critique is the ceiling. Usually, a second-round pick is reserved for a 21-year-old with "untapped potential." By picking a 25-year-old, the Saints are betting that Mesidor’s floor is higher than most players' ceilings. It’s a pragmatic, perhaps even safe, move—but safe is exactly what this defense needs after years of inconsistent pressure from the edge.
Final Verdict
The New Orleans Saints have spent years trying to find the "next" great pass rusher. In Akheem Mesidor, they may have finally stopped looking for a highlight-reel flyer and started looking for a football player. If he delivers even 70% of his Miami production alongside Bryan Bresee and Chase Young, the Saints’ defensive front will be the most feared unit in the NFC South.