2026 NFL draft: Analysis, grading Chargers No. 22 pick Akheem Mesidor

PITTSBURGH — The Chargers have selected Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft.

Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor waits to work out during the school’s NFL football pro day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin) AP

The 6-foot-3, 259-pounder played at both West Virginia and Miami in his college career, and capped it off with a productive 2025 season in which he had 63 tackles, including 17.5 behind the line of scrimmage, and 12.5 sacks.

The Chargers are fairly set at edge rusher this year; however, Tuli Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree are all playing on expiring contracts, so Mesidor should figure prominently in the long-range plan at that position.

As of right now, the Charges hold day-two picks at No. 55 in round two and No. 86 in round three. With needs at defensive end, wide receiver, and cornerback, they could look in those directions on Friday.

Grade: B-

Mesidor lacks ideal size or arm length for an edge rusher, but he’s shown at two different programs that he can get to the quarterback. The Chargers need edge rush right now and for the future, and he potentially fills that need.