Chargers selected Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

24 April 2026

Mesidor (6’3/259) is a six-year, grizzled vet who finally put it all together in 2025, posting a dominant 92.5 overall PFF grade with a matching 92.5 pass-rush mark while generating 67 total pressures, 13 sacks and 50 hurries across 445 pass-rush snaps. One of only two FBS defenders to eclipse 17.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles last season, Mesidor’s 167 career pressures and 35.5 sacks underscore a rare blend of consistency and high-end production. He wins with urgent first-step quickness, violent hands and a deep, well-schemed rush arsenal that allows him to create advantageous angles and stress tackles despite lacking elite length. Mesidor’s play style is relentless, he’s a “hair on fire” defender who can snatch blockers off balance, diagnose screens and generate chaos both off the edge and when reduced inside on passing downs. However, his 6’3”, sub-ideal length profile and only adequate explosiveness by NFL standards show up when he gets stuck on blocks or overruns plays, while his 20.0 percent missed tackle rate in 2025 highlights issues with control and balance at the finish. Mesidor projects as a high-motor, three-down edge with interior subpackage versatility whose pass-rush production and play temperament give him starter upside despite measurable limitations.