2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Miami Edge Akheem Mesidor. Plus: grades and schematic fit

Updated: 03/31/2026

Note: This season, I’m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players — as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the “one sheets” you see in NFL front offices — with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I’ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I’ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard.

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2026 NFL Draft Hub

Prospect: Akheem Mesidor | Jersey #: 3 | Pro Pos.: Edge/IDL | College Pos.: Edge/IDL

School: Miami | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 259lbs | Speed: N/A | Explosive Index: N/A

Age: 24.8 (Sr) | Final Grade: 7.58* (Quality Starter) | Draft Projection: First Round

*Medical Red Flag

STRONG POINTS:

· A high-IQ pass-rusher with a seemingly never-ending series of pass-rush moves. Has played up and down the line throughout his career, moving to an edge-rushing role full-time in 2025. Played primarily on the edge in 2025 before kicking inside on obvious passing downs.

· A solid athlete who wins in the hand-fight. A smaller pass-rusher with some scope to add more weight to his frame.

· A stout player. Tough to move him off his spot. Can drop anchor and hold the point-of-attack. Plays bigger at the point of contact than his listed weight.

· Has pop in hands. Converts speed-to-power, can push the pocket, and creates a second-surge rush — both outside and when lined up inside.

· A true technician. Beautifully tempos his rush. Wins every way: speed-to-power; bull rush; push-pull; crossing face; hand swipe; dip-and-rip; hammer; cross chop; ghost rush. Unpredictable plan. Put some high-end tackles in a complete blender – oversetting against moves and opening the gate for Mesidor to crash through. Unusually refined for a college pass-rusher.