The Los Angeles Chargers are certainly among the many teams in the mix to take an edge rusher in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Although their most glaring need is at offensive guard (and they could likely use some help at defensive tackle), the departure of Odafe Oweh has put the Chargers in a position to add a third, quality pass rusher. This could certainly be accomplished in the later rounds. But it's unlikely that a prospect who's immediately ready to contribute alongside Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack falls that far.
Dane Brugler's recent seven-round NFL Mock Draft, which has Los Angeles selecting Akheem Mesidor out of the University of Miami at 22nd overall, therefore doesn't feel like a far-fetched reality.
To some, Mesidor is a polarizing prospect. His age combined with questions about how much of his production was due to his work alongside top pass-rusher Rueben Bain make him a likely late first-round selection. But for the Chargers, who are in need of an edge rusher who can immediately replace some of Oweh's production, it's a worthy, high-upside swing.
Akheem Mesidor hasn't routinely been mocked to the Chargers, but the fit makes perfect sense
For reference, here are the full results of Brugler's mock for the Chargers:
22nd Overall: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami
55th Overall: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
86th Overall: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
123rd Overall: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
204th Overall: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
If Los Angeles is indeed able to nab a starting-caliber guard in the second such as Emmanuel Pregnon and also fill needs along the defense on Day 3, Mesidor could be among their ideal first-round selections.
Through 15 games at Miami last season, he amassed a conference-leading 12.5 sacks, adding 55 total pressures (per Pro Football Focus) and 17.5 tackles for loss. In a class that's pretty top-heavy with edge rushers, Mesidor ranks right up there with the upper echelon at his position.
His age is a large part of the reason for his projection near the end of the first round. He's already 25 years old, and many teams are prone to shy away from prospects who they feel have already reached their full potential before even setting foot on an NFL field.
But the Chargers' Super-Bowl window is now. With Khalil Mack having turned 35, Los Angeles needs to have a succession plan in place, especially with Tuli Tuipulotu's extension coming up.
People across the draft world have different grades and different outlooks on Mesidor's potential. But he's a strong and nuanced pass rusher, and he has the immediate physical tools and fluidity to complement the power of Mack and Tuipulotu relatively immediately.
He would be a worthy selection for the Chargers at 22nd overall.
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