Chargers bolster pass rush drafting Akheem Mesidor
The Sporting Tribune's Fernando Ramirez writes about the Chargers selecting Miami pass rusher Akheem Mesidor and what he adds.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) celebrates after a sack against the Indiana Hoosiers in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. When the pick was in for the LA Chargers, defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary looked ecstatic when shown on television. Well, that is because GM Joe Hortiz had just selected University of Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd overall pick.
Adding a player like Mesidor is going to bolster the Chargers' edge rush room, especially with veteran Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu already in place. Mesidor wasted no time saying he is ready to learn from Mack, who has 113 career sacks. “He's a legend,” Mesidor said.
“I’m going to learn so much from him. I'm gonna ask him hella questions. I can't wait.
" Last season, the Chargers' pass rush got off to a slow start, but once they added Odafe Oweh via trade five weeks in, everything changed for their defense. They became more violent off the edge, disrupting quarterbacks. Those three combined for 33 sacks, with Mack missing four games.