The Los Angeles Chargers lost Odafe Oweh to the Washington Commanders on a four-year deal, with the Bolts needing to fill the gap left by the former first-rounder. To address this situation, the Chargers took Akheem Mesidor in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
Mesidor, who has played 6 seasons of collegiate football, has logged 35.5 sacks, 208 total tackles (52.5 for loss), 4 pass deflections and 5 forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus ranked the Miami defender as the 20th-best prospect in this year’s draft class, despite being an older draftee.
While Akheem Mesidor is a pro-ready talent, one league executive questions the future of the EDGE rusher after his rookie contract.
Anon NFC Exec. Gives Take of Akheem Mesidor
GettyNew Los Angeles Chargers EDGE rusher Akheem Mesidor
In his final collegiate season, Akheem Mesidor logged 12.5 sacks on the Miami Hurricanes squad that reached the College Football Playoff Championship Game and could be an immediate starter in new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary’s defense.
While Mesidor is likely to be a huge piece for the Bolts in his first few seasons in the league, an anonymous NFC executive is questioning his future before playing his first snap in the NFL. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler released his latest notes after the draft, with an executive questioning the Chargers’ willingness to give Mesidor a second contract, as he will be approaching 30.
“He’s going to be a really good first-contract guy, there’s little doubt about that,” an NFC executive said, via ESPN. “The question becomes what do you pay him when he’s close to 30 and wants a new deal?”
Bolts general manager Joe Hortiz was asked about his thoughts on Mesidor’s age, noting that Mesidor has experience and plays like a 22-year-old. The GM also pivoted to 35-year-old Khalil Mack and said that he is still “kicking ass.”
LA has no issues drafting an older player, and if Akheem Mesidor plays up to his first-round expectations, it should be a no-brainer for a future contract extension or the team picking up his fifth-year option.
Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh on Akheem Mesidor
GettyLos Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh
Despite drafting a 25-year-old talent, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh appears high on Akheem Mesidor.
Speaking to the media after Day 1 of the draft, Harbaugh had strong praise for the newest addition to his defensive line, calling it “Fire, as the young people would say.”
The Bolts retained Khalil Mack on a one-year deal after the EDGE rusher contemplated retirement for the second straight offseason. With Mack returning, Mesidor will have a four-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler as his mentor in his rookie season.
“I told him I was going to ask him a bunch of questions leading into the meeting room, whatever it was. I was going to try to learn as much as I can from him,” Mesidor said, via the Chargers.
“He’s been in the game so long… So how he’s done that, how he takes care of his body, what’s his routine when it comes to day-to-day things… Then when we’re in the meeting room, his pass rush plan, plan on first and second down, how he approaches looks on the field,” Mesidor added. “Just try to pick his brain as much as I can.”
Anonymous NFL Executive Questions Future of Chargers First Round Draft Choice