Akheem Mesidor NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Los Angeles Chargers Edge

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Miami Edge Akheem Mesidor with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Akheem Mesidor is a very intriguing pass-rusher who combines quickness and athleticism with excellent use of hands to beat offensive tackles around the edge or across their faces. The 6'3", 265-pounder does leave something to be desired against the run, but will be an asset on third downs early on in the NFL.

A 3-star recruit in the 2020 class, Mesidor's college career began at West Virginia. He spent two seasons with the Mountaineers, collecting 70 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in 23 games to earn second-Team Freshman All-American and All-Big 12 honors in 2020 and a Big 12 Honorable Mention selection in 2021.

The native Canadian transferred to Miami in 2022 and logged 38 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, seven sacks, and a forced fumble, resulting in All-ACC Honorable Mention recognition during his first season in South Florida. Unfortunately, a foot injury limited him to just three games the following year.

In 2024, Mesidor bounced back with 32 tackles, nine TFLs, and 5.5 sacks to earn All-ACC Honorable Mention honors again. This past season has been the sixth-year senior's best with 63 tackles, 17.5 TFLs, 12.5 sacks, and four FFs to become a first-team All-ACC performer and second-team All-American.

Matt Holder has been a part of B/R's Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don't Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.

Highlights

Akheem Mesidor highlights

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Scroll down for the complete scouting report.

Where He Wins

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- Mesidor is a good overall athlete who is quick and has impressive change-of-direction skills to beat offensive tackles across their faces as a pass-rusher.

- Solid at setting up his pass rush moves by stemming to one direction and using his movement skills to win in on the other side of the offensive lineman.

- Very good use of hands as a pass-rusher, he has active hands and has shown the ability to consistently "beat the hands to beat the man". This allows him to have effective double-hand swipe and cross chop moves.

- Also has shown a solid bull to rip move and a non-stop pass-rush motor, constantly working counter moves if he doesn't win initially.

- Good bend at the top of the rush to corner and take efficient paths to the quarterback.

- Can be an effective looper on line game with his athleticism and bend.

- Has shown the ability to beat guards and offensive tackles as a pass-rusher, giving him some inside/outside versatility on third downs.

Areas of Improvement

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- Mesidor will be an older rookie, turning 25 years old on April 5, which will limit his perceived ceiling for some teams.

- Has subpar strength to beat offensive tackles who have good anchors when trying to win with power or turn speed to power as a pass-rusher.

- Turns his shoulders perpendicular to the line of scrimmage when setting the edge, pointing to a lack of strength.

- Likes to duck inside blocks and loses edge contain, both against the run and as a pass-rusher.

- Struggles to disengage from blocks in the run game.

- Balance is an issue, often falls when breaking through into the backfield.

- Lacks awareness in zone to be relied on to drop in coverage.

- Has a lingering foot injury, missing the majority of the 2023 season before having surgery in 2024 and sitting out for one game in 2025.

Grade, Rank, and Pro Comparison

AP Photo

GRADE: 7.8 (Key Contributor — 2nd Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: Nic Scourton, Texas A&M (7.8 in 2025), Will McDonald IV, Iowa State (7.7 in 2023), David Ojabo, Michigan (7.8 in 2022)

OVERALL RANK: 25

POSITION RANK: EDGE4

PRO COMPARISON: Laiatu Latu

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 6'3"

Weight: 265

Hand: 10"

Arm: 32⅛"

Wingspan: 75½"

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40-Yard Dash: N/A

10-Yard Split: N/A

3-Cone: N/A

Shuttle: N/A

Vertical: N/A

Broad: N/A

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