Akheem Mesidor was one of the biggest game wreckers in the 2026 College Football Playoff. Even at 25 years old, he has first-step quickness and a relentless motor that makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. This article will highlight Akheem Mesidor and his 2026 NFL Draft Profile.
2026 NFL Draft Profile of Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor
Measurables
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: 273 lbs
- Arm Length: 32 3/8”
- Wingspan: 77 3/4”
- Hands: 9 7/8”
Player Background
As a three-star recruit out of Clearwater Academy International, Akheem Mesidor was the 69th-ranked Strong-Side Defensive End but wasn’t considered a top-150 player in the state of Florida. He committed to West Virginia as a member of the 2020 recruiting class, despite receiving offers from Ole Miss, UCLA, and Pittsburgh. His collegiate career couldn’t have started any better. In his first two seasons with the Mountaineers, Mesidor appeared in 23 games and was one of the program’s best defensive players. He earned spots on multiple Freshman All-America teams and All-Big 12 teams.
With ten sacks in two seasons, Mesidor was considered one of the top players in the 2022 transfer portal. He transferred to the Miami Hurricanes and thrived immediately. His 3.5 sacks against Virginia Tech helped him lead the team with 7.5 sacks in 2022. Unfortunately, he would suffer an injury the following season that would keep him out until 2024. Over Mesidor’s final two seasons with the Hurricanes, he would register 18 sacks, 26.5 tackles for loss, and come one win short of a National Championship Title in 2025.
Accolades
- First-Team All-ACC (2025)
- John Cornish Award Finalist (2025)
- All-ACC Honorable Mention (2024, 2023)
- Lott IMPACT Trophy Watchlist (2022)
- Academic All-Big 12 Selection (2021)
- All-Big 12 Third-Team (2021)
- All-Big 12 Second-Team (2020)
- Second-Team Freshman All-American (2020)
Best Tools
Akheem Mesidor is one of the most versatile and nuanced pass rushers in this draft class. He is capable of moving all around the defensive line, which will make him valuable in just about any scheme. Whether it’s a swim move, cross chop, or a rip, Mesidor has an impressive moveset that gives him a pre-set plan when rushing the passer. He can set up before the snap and counter throughout the rep with these established moves.
Tenacity and quickness are the name of the game for Mesidor. He explodes off the line of scrimmage with an elite first step. This puts offensive linemen in a tough position right off the rip, allowing Mesidor to get consistent pressure on the quarterback. His relentless motor leads to multiple effort sacks and helps him wreck drives. Mesidor possesses a high football IQ that helps him bat down passes at the line and beat running backs to their mark.
Tools to Improve
Injuries, age, and arm length could significantly impact his draft stock for some teams. He will be 25 years old on draft day and has undergone surgery for torn ligaments in both his feet. This was a main reason why Mesidor evolved his body type by increasing muscle and shedding weight. Unfortunately, there is a lack of power in his game now. Bigger offensive tackles can move him around the line of scrimmage. His arm length limits his reach in the run game and can lead to whiffs as a pass rusher.
While Mesidor has an explosive first step, he is an adequate athlete at best. He doesn’t have the flexibility to win with bend around the edge and lacks pursuit speed. This allows quicker quarterbacks to pull away from him in one-on-one situations. He can’t recover when taking poor tackling angles due to this lack of athleticism, and it can lead to chunk plays for the opposing offense.
NFL Projection
Akheem Mesidor does have concerns, but a number of them aren’t related to his play. If his medical testing comes back clean, there is no reason why he can’t be a late first-round selection. He is a true game wrecker who has evolved his play style and body type to become scheme-versatile. If he’s not getting after the quarterback, he can bat passes down at the line of scrimmage. Prospects with his nuance, quickness, and tenacity have no problem adjusting to the NFL, no matter their age. The best fit for Mesidor is on a defense that gives him a one-gap assignment. This will allow him to prioritize disruption and give him the chance to wreck offensive plays throughout all four quarters.
