The Los Angeles Chargers addressed their pass rush in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Akheem Mesidor 22nd overall. The 25-year-old Mesidor enjoyed a strong five-year college career (including the first two at West Virginia and the final three at Miami), totaling 208 tackles, 52.5 tackles for loss, 35.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles across 65 games. His accolades include Second-Team All-Big-12 in 2020 and First-Team All-ACC in 2025.

Mesidor enjoyed a strong senior campaign with the Hurricanes, setting career highs. He notched 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks (led ACC), and four forced fumbles in 15 games. He also posted 67 pressures, a 20.8% pass-rush win rate, 15 run stops, and a 4.9% stop rate.

In his rookie season, Mesidor will compete against Bud Dupree for the team’s top backup role as the situational pass rusher coming off the bench to replace Odafe Oweh. He may take over as the starter in 2027 if either Khalil Mack retires or departs in free agency, or if Tuli Tuipulotu is unable to sign an extension before testing the open market next March.

The Los Angeles Chargers ink a 25-year-old rookie with a fully guaranteed deal

According to Adam Schefter, the Chargers have signed Akheem Mesidor to a four-year, fully guaranteed $20.456 million contract on Thursday, including a $11.337 million signing bonus, per his agents Robert Bailey and Drew Rosenhaus. Spotrac projects his cap hits to be $3.719 million in 2026, $4.649 million in 2027, $5.579 million in 2028, and $6.508 million in 2029. In addition, since Mesidor was a first-round pick, his deal includes a fully guaranteed 5th-year option for 2030, with the decision due in May 2029.

Chargers and first-round pick Akheem Mesidor have agreed on a four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $20,456,392, per agents Robert Bailey and Drew Rosenhaus. pic.twitter.com/wXcsnyPiaz

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 4, 2026

Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report

“Mesidor is an instinctive, high-effort edge rusher with a fluid rush style and a deep toolbox. He bursts upfield and can shrink the corner while punishing oversetting tackles with inside counters. He strings moves together with effortless mid-rush adjustments, utilizing harmonious hands and feet to carve efficient tracks into the pocket.

“He’s a problem for guards when reduced inside, too. His urgency shows up in run defense, where he uses play strength and short-area quickness to disrupt blocking schemes and stay around the football. He won’t be as long as most edge-setters and his anchor at the point is just average. The talent and motor are obvious, but his age and injury history could push some teams to discount his grade below what the tape shows.”

He projects as a good starter within his first two years.

The post Los Angeles Chargers: Ink 25-Year-Old Rookie with Fully Guaranteed Deal appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.