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NFL
Chargers bolster their pass rushing ranks by drafting Akheem Mesidor at No. 22
TL;DR
The Chargers selected Akheem Mesidor, a defensive end from Miami, with the No. 22 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mesidor is expected to bolster the team's pass rush and learn from veterans like Khalil Mack.
Key points
- Chargers selected Akheem Mesidor at No. 22 in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Mesidor is a defensive end from Miami
- He is expected to replace Odafe Oweh in the pass rush
- Khalil Mack will mentor Mesidor as he develops
- Mesidor adds depth to the Chargers' edge rushing unit
Mentioned in this story
Miami Hurricanes
Los Angeles Chargers2026 NFL Draft
Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor works out during the school's pro day in March. The Chargers selected Mesidor with the No. 22 pick of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. (Michael Laughlin / Associated Press)
It was no secret the Chargers were searching for a pass rusher in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night — and they found one.
The Chargers selected former Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor at No. 22 overall, making him the heir apparent for Khalil Mack in a pass rushing unit that was hit hard by Odafe Oweh leaving in free agency.
The 6-foot-3, 259-pound Mesidor should provide immediate depth to a edge rushing unit that needs to recoup some of the production Oweh took to Washington. And with Khalil Mack's career being renewed on a year-to-year basis, Mesidor will get the chance to learn from Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree before seeing a likely starting role in the seasons ahead.
Read more: NFL draft first-round recap: Fernando Mendoza goes No. 1; Rams take QB
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh was excited about Mesidor joining Tuipulotu and Mack on the field: "That's fire, as the young people would say."
Q&A
Who did the Chargers draft in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Chargers drafted Akheem Mesidor, a defensive end from Miami, with the No. 22 overall pick.
What impact will Akheem Mesidor have on the Chargers' defense?
Mesidor is expected to provide immediate depth to the pass rushing unit and learn from veterans like Khalil Mack.
Why did the Chargers need to draft a pass rusher?
The Chargers needed a pass rusher due to the departure of Odafe Oweh in free agency, which left a gap in their defensive lineup.
