2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Akheem Mesidor, Edge Rusher, Miami

It is never too early to evaluate impact edge defenders for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has consistently invested in defensive line versatility, and Todd Bowles’ scheme thrives when edge players can win both with speed and power. In today’s NFL, edge defenders who can affect the quarterback without heavy blitz reliance are foundational pieces.

We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Miami edge defender Akheem Mesidor.

Information

• School: Miami

• Conference: ACC

• Position: EDGE

• Height Weight: 6-3, 265 pounds

• Class: Sixth-Year Redshirt Senior

• Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario

• Previous School: West Virginia

Background

Mesidor began his collegiate career at West Virginia, where he earned All-Big 12 recognition and Freshman All-America honors. After transferring to Miami, he quickly became one of the Hurricanes’ most disruptive defensive linemen.

His 2022 season established his ceiling, as he posted 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks while earning All-ACC honorable mention honors. Injuries limited him in 2023, but he rebounded strongly in 2024 before delivering his most complete season in 2025.

In 2025, Mesidor started all 13 games and anchored Miami’s defensive front with elite production and consistency, reinforcing his profile as one of the top edge defenders in the class.

Notable Stats

• 827 total snaps

• 67 total pressures

• 13 sacks

• 92.5 overall defensive grade

• 88.3 run defense grade

• 50 hurries

Mesidor’s 2025 season stands out as one of the most dominant pass-rush campaigns in the country, both in raw production and grading efficiency.

Skills

• Prototypical 6-3, 265-pound frame

• Explosive first step

• Power-to-speed conversion

• Interior rush capability on passing downs

• Strong run defender with edge discipline

• High snap endurance

• Advanced hand usage

Mesidor wins with balance and violence. At 265 pounds, he has the build to set the edge against the run while still possessing the burst to threaten offensive tackles vertically. His 92.5 overall grade in 2025 reflects a complete defensive performance, not just flashes of pass rush.

He also brings alignment versatility. Miami moved him across the front, allowing him to rush from wide alignments or reduce inside in sub-packages. That inside-out flexibility enhances his value in the NFL.

Player Summary

Akheem Mesidor grades out as a top-seven edge prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class. His draft range projects from the end of the first round into the second round, depending on team fit and positional priorities. His 2025 production proves he can be a high-impact defender against top competition.

In Tampa Bay, Mesidor would fit seamlessly into Todd Bowles’ multiple front looks. His ability to rush from both the edge and interior would give Bowles flexibility in pressure packages while maintaining structural integrity against the run. Mesidor profiles as a starting-caliber EDGE with immediate rotational impact and long-term upside.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami