The Los Angeles Chargers just made a slam-dunk pick on night one of the 2026 NFL Draft, to start off what’s going to be a highly anticipated draft weekend in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Round 1, Pick 22: Akheem Mesidor
With their first-round selection, the Chargers selected outside linebacker Akheem Mesidor from THE University of Miami.
The 6’3 259 lb defensive lineman is an instant impact player who can immediately come in to contribute towards first-year defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary’s defense.
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He’ll line up and learn alongside fellow OLB’s Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, where we’ll undoubtedly see some NASCAR packages this season displaying their pass rush skillsets.
Hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Mesidor now becomes the second-highest drafted Canadian-born player of all time, behind Tony Mandarich (Rd 1, Pick 2), who went to the Green Bay Packers back in 1989.
What Does Mesidor Bring To The Table?
At 25 years old, Mesidor brings a wealth of experience (65 games), having played six seasons of college football. He originally started off at West Virginia, before transferring to Miami, where he’s played for the past four years. He’s easily one of the most polished players in this draft class at any position.
He also brings a level of professionalism and maturity that will help him seamlessly transition to the next level.
This was displayed in full view in an interview conducted by NFL draft guru Brett Kollman over at the Bootleg Podcast, with Mesidor at the NFL Combine back in March. He explained that using his NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) money, he “can outsource and get cryo(therapy), get any type of extra D-line training, pass rush specialist…. When it comes to nutrition, I can change the way I eat. I don’t have to rely on everything the school has to offer.”
Mesidor is already coming with that pro mindset as a rookie, investing in himself to stay available for both his team and his own well-being. It’s a total culture fit for what head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers are all about.
Versatility In The Trenches
Mesidor’s dominance on the field is immeasurable. He was instrumental in the Hurricanes’ run to the National Championship this year. In 15 games this season, he tallied 63 combined tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and a team-leading 12.5 sacks, including 2 against new Las Vegas Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza in the National Championship.
He also possesses positional versatility, being able to play both as a defensive end and defensive tackle. According to PFF, he lined up outside the tackle (705 snaps) as a 5 or 9 technique player, over the tackle (103) in a 4 or 4i alignment, and also has experience at the 3i spot further inside this season.
Breaking down Mesidor’s impact even further, he has a 21.3% pass rush win rate that ranked third in this class. For context, the average win rate for a first-round pass rusher starting from 2015 has been 17.3%.
Additionally, he has a pass rush win rate of 36.6% on true pass sets, as well as a 23.9% pass rush win rate when lined up inside at defensive tackle, which is simply absurd.
With a 92.5 overall PFF grade, Mesidor is a well-rounded player who can play the run (314 snaps) and pass (445 snaps).
Akheem The Dream
While there are age and injury concerns (torn ligaments in his foot caused him to miss most of the 2023 season), Mesidor is simply dominant on tape. He very well could be a one-contract player, however, Mesidor is ready to play now, fitting into the Chargers’ win-now window that the team is envisioning.
It’s a homerun pick by general manager Joe Hortiz and this front office, who are continuing to assemble a roster that can win a franchise-first Super Bowl.
Welcome to the team, Akheem.
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