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The Los Angeles Chargers took Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday.
The 6-foot-3, 259-pound Canadian began his six-year college career at West Virginia, where he led the Mountaineers with five sacks as a true freshman in 2020. After two seasons in Morgantown, he transferred to Miami, where he developed into a first-team All-ACC selection as a sixth-year senior in 2025.
Teaming with All-American Rueben Bain on Miami’s defensive front, Mesidor tied for third nationally in sacks (12.5) and tied for fifth in tackles for loss (17.5), and his 67 pressures ranked third, according to Pro Football Focus.
Mesidor, 25, had surgery on both of his feet for torn ligaments as well as shoulder surgery early in his career at Miami. He missed only one game, though, because of injury in 2025.
‘The Beast’ breakdown
Mesidor ranked No. 28 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“Mesidor won’t be universally loved because of his age and injury history, but he is a disruptive force off the edge who is always playing 100 mph. He projects as a three-down NFL starter, with interior value on sub packages.”
Coaching intel
What an anonymous head coach had to say about Mesidor in Bruce Feldman’s mock draft:
“Because Rueben Bain’s such a beast, people tend to overlook what a monster this guy is. He’s really violent with his hands and can really bend, too. And he’s got a really good motor. He won’t stay blocked, and he just keeps coming.”
Nick Baumgardner grades the pick
Grade: A-
A self-made, high-motor, physical hammer up front who has experience rushing inside and off the edge, Mesidor is exactly the type of player Jim Harbaugh loves. He’s up there with Miami teammate Rueben Bain Jr. as the most violent defender in this draft. Mesidor is a powerhouse against the run, and despite some length concerns, his physicality still shows up in pass rush.
He’s an older player who has dealt with some injuries. But he’s also ready to contribute right now. He should be on the field quickly in LA.
Mike Sando’s assessment
The Chargers lost one edge rusher in free agency (Odafe Oweh) and added another in the first round Thursday (Mesidor). That’s a big savings on the balance sheet when considering Oweh signed with the Washington Commanders for $24 million per year, and Mesidor projects at about $5 million per year as the 22nd player selected in this draft. The Chargers get Khalil Mack (re-signed at $18 million per year) and Mesidor for about what Oweh got in terms of annual average.
How he fits
Oweh left in free agency to sign a big deal with the Commanders. The Chargers were interested in bringing Oweh back, but they were eventually priced out of the market. That left a hole in the Chargers’ edge room. Mesidor is the replacement. The Chargers were able to re-sign Mack, who is entering his age-35 season. Tuli Tuipulotu is coming off a career season. This defense, though, needs three quality edge rushers to truly thrive. New defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary will be running the same scheme as Jesse Minter. The Chargers learned that lesson last year, when they had to trade for Oweh in October. Mesidor is an older prospect. He turned 25 earlier this month. The positive is that Mesidor will be ready to contribute right away as the Chargers’ third edge rusher. And all three can kick inside effectively to rush over guards.
Depth-chart impact
This pick creates some interesting competition at the back end of the Chargers’ depth chart. Mack, Tuipulotu and Mesidor are the top three in that group. Veteran Bud Dupree remains under contract, and the Chargers are still hoping for a jump from 2025 fourth-round pick Kyle Kennard. If the Chargers keep only four edge rushers on their 53-man roster, Dupree and Kennard will be battling for a spot. Kennard struggled as a rookie. He was inactive for most of last season and played in only five games. Kennard never really flashed. He lacked the mass to really make an impact as a run defender or pass rusher. This selection should serve as a wake-up call.
They also could have picked …
Mesidor was a logical pick for the Chargers, given their need at the position. They could have selected a different edge, such as Clemson’s T.J. Parker, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk or UCF’s Malachi Lawrence. But Mesidor makes a ton of sense as a player who can make an immediate impact. The other intriguing available option was Dillon Thieneman. The Oregon safety is very comfortable in zone and in the deep part of the field, two key traits for O’Leary. O’Leary will be running the same scheme as Minter. In the end, edge was a far bigger need than safety.
Fast evaluation
The Chargers had two primary needs entering this draft: left guard and edge. They filled one of those needs with this pick. They can still find a starting-caliber piece at guard on Day 2. Mesidor is a great fit. The Chargers already have two powerful rushers in Mack and Tuipulotu. They add even more power with Mesidor, making a strength stronger. Additionally, all three of these edge rushers can kick inside and rush over a guard. The passing-down packages should be fun to watch this season. And the Chargers replaced Oweh with a much cheaper player.
