Watch: Highlights of Chargers' first-round pick Akheem Mesidor

TL;DR

The Chargers selected edge rusher Akheem Mesidor with the No. 22 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mesidor, a standout from Miami, is expected to replace Khalil Mack in the future and aims to make an immediate impact.

Key points

Chargers selected Akheem Mesidor with the No. 22 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Mesidor is expected to replace Khalil Mack in the future
He had a dominant 2025 season with 12.5 sacks and 63 tackles
Mesidor was a First-Team All-ACC selection
His age gives him an advantage over other rookies

Mentioned in this story

Miami Hurricanes

Akheem MesidorACCLos Angeles Chargers2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft began Thursday evening and it did not disappoint.

Day 1 featured trades and shocking moves with the Chargers snagging an edge rusher with the No. 22 overall pick. Akheem Mesidor, out of Miami, brings the defense an elite pass-rusher in coordinator Chris O'Leary's inaugural season at the helm.

It appears general manager Joe Hortiz is also thinking about the future as Mesidor will replace Khalil Mack once he retires, giving Tuli Tuipolutu another edge in the unit.

The edge is coming off a dominant 2025 campaign with the Hurricanes, posting 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He was the first Miami player to lead the ACC in sacks since Gregory Rousseau in 2019.

His performance earned him a First-Team All-ACC selection last season. The 25-year-old believes his age gives him an advantage over other rookies in this year's draft class as he looks to make an immediate impact with the Chargers in 2026.

"You can call me a seasoned rookie. I think I’m coming in more mature with a different approach and different mentality than a lot of younger guys," Mesidor said.

Here are some of Mesidor's best highlights throughout his collegiate career:

Akheem Mesidor gets drafted #22 by the Chargers.

Here's his and #15 pick Rueben Bain's performances vs Indiana in the College Football National Championship: pic.twitter.com/Ejq6eDfIfs

— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) April 24, 2026

Akheem Mesidor's athleticism isn't just a trait.

It's a problem every offensive lineman in the AFC West will have to face for a long time 😤⚡️ pic.twitter.com/xJeVuavibA

— Underdog NFL Draft - Josh & Hayden (@UDFootballShow) April 24, 2026

Akheem Mesidor is an electric EDGE prospect who may go round 1, despite injury and age concerns pic.twitter.com/TqQHOS2WvT

Q&A

Who is Akheem Mesidor and what are his college stats?

Akheem Mesidor is an edge rusher from Miami who posted 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in his final college season.

What position did the Chargers draft Akheem Mesidor for?

The Chargers drafted Akheem Mesidor as an edge rusher, intending for him to eventually replace Khalil Mack.

What accolades did Akheem Mesidor achieve in college?

Akheem Mesidor was named a First-Team All-ACC selection and was the first Miami player to lead the ACC in sacks since 2019.