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Potential Bucs target could drop out of Round 1 in 2026 NFL Draft
TL;DR
Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor is a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft but may drop due to concerns about his age and recent foot surgeries. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown interest in him as he could fill a critical need for their defense.
A recent article from Bleacher Report pointed out six potential first-round prospects who could slide during the 2026 NFL Draft, and one name that stood out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor, especially considering he has already been connected to Tampa Bay by other projections throughout the process.
What makes Mesidor such an interesting case is how clearly his talent shines on film, despite the concerns attached to his profile. He produced 71 total pressures and consistently won as a pass rusher with technique, burst, and the ability to bend around the edge, which is exactly the type of skill set Tampa Bay has been missing when generating pressure without relying heavily on blitzing.
The hesitation from teams has less to do with what he can do on the field and more with how long they believe he can keep doing it. Mesidor is already 25 years old, which shortens his typical developmental window, and he also required surgery on both feet in 2023 after suffering torn ligaments, creating a medical evaluation that teams will have to be completely comfortable with before investing early draft capital on Mesidor.
For the Buccaneers, this is where the decision becomes more about philosophy than talent. This is a roster that still needs impact players on defense, particularly along the edge, and Mesidor offers the kind of immediate pass-rush juice that could help right away, even if the long-term outlook comes with more uncertainty than a typical first-round pick.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs-linked EDGE Akheem Mesidor could slide in the 2026 NFL Draft
Q&A
Why might Akheem Mesidor drop out of the first round in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Akheem Mesidor may drop due to concerns about his age, as he is already 25, and his recent foot surgeries which raise questions about his long-term viability.
What are Akheem Mesidor's strengths as a pass rusher?
Mesidor has demonstrated strong pass-rushing skills, producing 71 total pressures and showcasing technique, burst, and the ability to bend around the edge.
How does Akheem Mesidor fit into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive needs?
Mesidor could provide immediate impact as a pass rusher, addressing the Buccaneers' need for defensive players, particularly along the edge, despite concerns about his long-term potential.
