TribLive is highlighting the top prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The three-day event is April 23-25.
Akheem Mesidor
Position: Defensive end
Height/weight: 6-foot-3/259 pounds
College: Miami (Fla.)
Mesidor started his college career as a Freshman All-American at West Virginia, but that was six seasons ago in 2020.
His pass-rush skills are undeniable after earning Big 12 or ACC honors five times, but might the 25-year-old’s age be a deterrent for NFL teams considering him in the first round?
Mesidor had a career year as a senior with 12½ sacks and 17½ tackles for loss on a Miami defense that reached the national championship game. He had 63 total tackles and forced four fumbles last season.
In addition to a covid-19 waiver year, his eligibility was extended by a medical redshirt when foot injuries sidelined him in 2023. He also had offseason shoulder surgery a year earlier.
In all, Mesidor played 64 career games with 52 starts.
Draft analyst Lance Zierlein described Mesidor in his NFL.com profile as “an instinctive, high-effort edge rusher with a fluid rush style and a deep toolbox.” Zierlein said Mesidor lacks the length teams desire but his “talent and motor are obvious.”
Key stat
2 — Number of times Mesidor sacked Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the national championship game.
Did you know?
Mesidor’s position coach at Miami was Woodland Hills’ Jason Taylor, an former All-Pro defensive end and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
On draft
Here is a look at where the top NFL Draft analysts rank Mesidor among players at his position and prospects overall:
Draft expert — Edge/Overall
Mel Kiper Jr. — sixth/NA
Daniel Jeremiah — fourth/23rd
Todd McShay — sixth/25th
Field Yates — fourth/20th
Quotable
“I think on tape you would have him up there (in the first round). But he’s not the biggest guy, and the fact that he’s 25 years old could push him down.”
— ESPN analyst Matt Miller