2026 NFL Draft scouting report: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

Another year, another batch of prospects that the national media ignored most of the season, but are propping up during NFL Draft season. One prime example is Miami's Akheem Mesidor. Mesidor was hardly spoken about during major chunks of the year, but has been regarded as one of the top EDGE prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Let's talk about why that's a far cry from the truth.

Mesidor grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, but moved to Clearwater Academy International in Clearwater, Florida, for his senior year of high school. There, he would total 10 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 92 tackles, helping him earn four-star status, and he would commit to West Virginia. Two quiet seasons for the Mountaineers led him to transfer to Miami, where a foot injury cost him all but three games in 2023. In 2025, he would post 12.5 sacks, earning First Team All-ACC and Second Team All-American honors.

Akheem Mesidor is NFL-ready, through and through. His pass-rush moveset is far more developed than almost everyone in the class. Swims, chops, swipes, rips, pulls, you name it, he has it in his arsenal. He also has a clean Eurostep he uses. Knows how to set the edge properly, keeping the pocket in place, but also when to crash on run plays. Mesidor has time spent all the way inside at nose tackle and 3i, which that level of versitality could be handy at the next level.

You know why his moveset is more developed? Because he is 26(!) years old. Yes, you read that right. Immediate crimson red flag. His frame is going to cost him in the NFL, as he is just 6'3 with a shorter wingspan. Longer tackles will land on him early and force him into those counters quickly. Plays far too narrow in his lower half, costing himself power when he does get through first to his blocker. The medicals are also a bit of a concern, too, as he has had two major foot injuries in college.

I don't see it. I do not believe the first round juice is worth the squeeze. I don't even see it in the second round. This is going to be a player someone will have to extend for the first time at age 30. Count me way out on this one. Akheem Mesidor gets a late third-round grade and would be a great rotational piece, but nothing more.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft scouting report on Miami (FL) edge Akheem Mesidor