LA Chargers NFL draft grades: How did Chargers do in first round?
The Los Angeles Chargers had just one pick in the first round and decided to spend that on the defensive side of the ball.
The Los Angeles Chargers had just one pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and decided to spend that on the defensive side of the ball. Akheem Mesidor, the edge rusher from Miami, will have the opportunity to learn among a defensive unit led by Khalil Mack. At the age of 25 years old, he could be viewed as a plug-and-play option for the Bolts this season.
Mesidor finished his college career with 35. 5 total sacks, including 12. 5 in 2025.
He spent two years at West Virginia before transferring to Miami for the last four years of his career. His 35. 5 total sacks tie him for third, along with Central Florida's Bruce Miller (2007-10) and Washington's Hau'oli Kikaha (2010-14), among the NCAA career sack leaders.
Only Louisiana Tech's Jaylon Ferguson (45 sacks, 2015-18) and Ja'Von Rolland-Jones (43. 5 sacks, 2014-17) had more. Los Angeles Chargers' first-round draft grade 22.