Akheem Mesidor is a force to be reckoned with especially for opposing offensive lines in the 2025 college football season. Can the Miami Hurricanes edge rusher take the same type of impact to the NFL level?
Standing at 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, Mesidor is an athletic and versatile defensive end with speed, power and high motor who often gets home on the quarterback. A quick step, great usage of his hands on blockers and that quick bend around the corner makes him one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Is he a first rounder or a Day 2 pick in the draft? NFL Mocks sees him as more of a late-round first round pick although there are mock drafts that has him as high as the middle of the first round. What could cause him to slide is that he is 25 years old and would be on the older side for a rookie, but teams looking for an upgrade at the position should just focus on what he brings to the table as versatile defender along the defensive line.
In all, a player who could make an impact or his presence known on Day 1.
Akheem Mesidor makes his presence known…and felt
Miami Hurricanes teammate Rueben Bain Jr. has drawn all the attention both off the field and on the field, but don’t snooze on Mesidor who make his presence known in the team’s march to the CFP National Championship Game. Although he’s been a force all season long with the Hurricanes, he really raised his draft stock with his performance in the playoffs.
How high?
ESPN’s Mel Kiper jr has him as the No. 13 ranked prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, noting his versatility as a pass rusher and run stopper.
Kiper Jr writes:
“Mesidor started at West Virginia in 2020 and 2021, racking up 9.5 sacks. He transferred to Miami before the 2022 season and had seven sacks in that first season. An injury limited him to three games in 2023, but he came back with 5.5 more sacks in 2024 and looked fantastic in 2025. The Canadian makes his presence felt against both the run and the pass, and he shows good bend, closing burst and power. When his initial move is thwarted, Mesidor never stops battling. He also brings some versatility, with the ability to shade inside to DT and get pressure on the interior.”
Also Read: Top landing spots for Washington Huskies WR Denzel Boston in the 2026 NFL Draft
In bringing to the forefront his 17.5 tackles for a loss and 4 forced fumbles, Mesidor is a disruptor who will get a chance to flourish on a team looking for a edge rush force mid-to-late first round.
As a projected first round pick, here are 3 NFL fits for Akheem Mesidor in the 2026 NFL Draft.
3 NFL teams in position to land Akheem Mesidor
New England Patriots
One of the top needs for the AFC Champions in the 2026 NFL Draft will be finding a consistent pass rusher to their defense. While the interior of the line lead by the tandem of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore has been dominant creating pressure up the middle, the New England Patriots will benefit from adding another edge rusher to the group. Harold Landy has been dealing with injury for most of the season is fine when healthy but pairing a player like Mesidor to the mix along with extending K’Lavon Chaisson should be a top priority for the Patriots. Selecting Mesidor at No. 30 or No. 31 would be a win, especially given hi scheme versatility as he could excel in either the 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme.
- Other first round options for the Patriots: T.J. Parker (ED), R Mason Thomas (ED), Kadyn Proctor (T)
Buffalo Bills
Another AFC East teams selecting late in the first round are the Buffalo Bills. Coming off another disappointing playoff run, the Bills have made a change at head coach and will focus in the offseason on improving their roster in a few key areas. One of those areas is edge rusher. Drafting late in the first round, a player like Mesidor could be primed for the Bills given his athleticism and high motor off the edge. With Joey Bosa and A.J. Epenesa pending free agents, there will be a higher need for the Bills to address their depth at the position and get a player who can play alongside Greg Rousseau.
- Other first round options for the Bills: C.J. Allen (LB), K.C. Concepcion (WR), Denzel Boston (WR)
Detroit Lions
The Lions will be looking for a sidekick for Aidan Hutchinson as bookend edge rushers. Imagine the tandem of Mesidor and Hutchinson creaking havoc in the NFC North? No. 17 could be high for Mesidor, but given what he brings to the table, he could be just what the Lions are looking for as a player who could take some pressure of Hutchinson. With the way he can impact the game given his surge around the offensive line and to the QB, Mesidor would be a Day 1 impact who could help the Lions reclaim their stance at the top of the NFC North and a true Super Bowl threat. They will need to address other needs, but the Lions aren’t far away if they have a solid draft.
- Other first round options for the Lions: T.J. Parker (EDGE), Caleb Lomu (T), Kayden McDonald (DL)