Buccaneers NFL Draft Target: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

The 25-year-old measured in at roughly 6-foot-3, 260 pounds between the Scouting Combine and his pro day, and he also clocked in with 32 1/2” arms, an 80” wingspan, and 10” hands. Mesidor did not participate in any type of testing during the pre-draft process, so his Relative Athletic Score (RAS) is not known. He did take part in on-field drills for scouts at the Miami Pro Day. Given his advanced age (he turned 25 earlier this month) and history of injuries, not having any athletic testing on record is an interesting choice for a player who could use fewer red flags on his résumé. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that Mesidor plays like a good-quality athlete, showing impressive burst and flexibility on tape with regularity. At the very least, it’s clear he is a not a *bad* athlete.

What Mesidor Brings to the Buccaneers in 2026

The main appeal of Mesidor’s prospect profile is that he is a turn-key pass rusher who should command a good share of snaps from Week 1, and in that sense the Buccaneers could certainly use that. Mesidor’s toolbox is impressively deep for a prospect, as he attacks outside and inside with a variety of moves and counters. His blend of Euro steps, cross-chops, and club-rips are a treat to watch, and even better is seeing how he effectively deploys them depending on the situation. Combine that with his naturally strong build and sheer determination, and you have the makings of a terrorizer with alignment versatility. He’s polished in the run game as well, demonstrating the capability to set a firm edge, disengage from blockers, and sniff out misdirection. Put that all together, and there’s no reason Mesidor shouldn’t be starting opposite Yaya Diaby for the Buccaneers early on, with new signing Al-Quadin Muhammad and 2025 draft pick David Walker providing solid depth. That’s definitely a rotation worth feeling good about.

Three-Year Outlook

Stock Report

Mesidor is generally heralded as a first-round caliber prospect. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler rates Mesidor as his 28th overall player and fifth overall edge rusher.

“Overall, Mesidor won’t be universally loved because of his age and injury history, but he is a disruptive force off the edge who is always playing 100 mph. He projects as a three-down NFL starter, with interior value on subpackages.”

Dane Brugler, The Athletic NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein also rated Mesidor a first-round value as his EDGE5. Zierlein commented, “Mesidor is an instinctive, high-effort edge rusher with a fluid rush style and a deep toolbox. He bursts upfield and can shrink the corner while punishing oversetting tackles with inside counters. He strings moves together with effortless mid-rush adjustments, utilizing harmonious hands and feet to carve efficient tracks into the pocket.” While the talent is Day 1 worthy, the age, injury woes, and questionable athletic profile could always induce a slide. Mesidor making it into Round 2 wouldn’t be the craziest outcome, but top 50 feels assured regardless.

On the Clock…

There you have it, Bucs Nation. Would you like to see the Buccaneers take a chance on Mesidor with 15th overall. Or, would you like to see a possible trade-down in Round 1 where they acquire extra draft capital and still find the opportunity to select him at better value? Discuss in the comments below!