PITTSBURGH — The Chargers have selected Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft.
The 6-foot-3, 259-pounder played at both West Virginia and Miami in his college career, and capped it off with a productive 2025 season in which he had 63 tackles, including 17.5 behind the line of scrimmage, and 12.5 sacks.
The Chargers selected Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft. APThe Chargers are fairly set at edge rusher this year; however, Tuli Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree are all playing on expiring contracts, so Mesidor should figure prominently in the long-range plan at that position.
As of right now, the Charges hold day-two picks at No. 55 in round two and No. 86 in round three. With needs at defensive end, wide receiver, and cornerback, they could look in those directions on Friday.
Grade: B-
Mesidor lacks ideal size or arm length for an edge rusher, but he’s shown at two different programs that he can get to the quarterback. The Chargers need edge rush right now and for the future, and he potentially fills that need.
What they’re saying
“His motor never turns off when you put the film on. He was on a heater all year and played his best ball down the stretch in the playoffs, so really fired up to get him” — Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz on the selection of Mesidor.
Akheem Mesidor #3 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts to a sack in the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. Getty ImagesWhat’s next
As of right now, the Chargers hold day-two picks at No. 55 in round two and No. 86 in round three. With needs on the offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback, they could look in those directions on Friday.
Among the top players still on the board are Texas A&M guard Chase Bisontis, Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon, Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields and Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris.
