What is the story about?
The Chargers selected Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, out of the U with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 draft. Here’s what you need to know.
Stats & Accolades
- 2020 (West Virginia): (10 games played, 1 start), 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, Second-Team All-Big 12
- 2021 (West Virginia): (13 games played, 13 starts), 38 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, Honorable Mention All-Big 12
- 2022 (Miami): (11 games played, 8 starts), 38 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 4 pass deflections, forced fumble
- 2023 (Miami): (3 games played, 2 starts), 5 tackles, tackle for loss, sack
- 2024 (Miami): (13 games played, 13 starts), 32 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks
- 2025 (Miami): (15 games played, 15 starts), 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
What the Chargers are getting:
A very experienced, well-coached edge rusher who overcomes his lack of prototypical length with a motor that just doesn’t seem to quit. He wants to be a tone-setter for the defense and a leader by example with the way he flies around the field to make the splash play. His age as a rookie will turn some teams off (25 when
season begins) but the production and overall makeup will keep him in the first-round conversation come April.
Strengths
- High-running motor that doesn’t seem to lessen as game goes on
- Incessant pursuit on backside runs
- Flexible pass rusher who can switch from power to finesse and back when needed
Weakness
- Older prospect, will be 25-year old rookie
- Lacks ideal length for a first-round edge rusher
- Overaggression on backside pursuits can be exploited by offenses
Athletic Testing/Measurables
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 259 pounds
- 40-yard dash: N/A
- 10-yard split: N/A
- Vertical jump: N/A
- Broad jump: N/A
- 3-cone drill: N/A
- Short shuttle: N/A
- Bench Press: N/A
