FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Akheem Mesidor
Akheem Mesidor (EDGE – Miami)
6’3″ – 265 lbs.
Background
Originally attended West Virginia, where he rotated in as a freshman, starting the last two games of the season and putting together an impressive 32-6.5-5.0 line. Became a starter the following year, played a lot of tackle and finishing with 38-8.0-4.5. Transferred to Miami for the 2022 season, with a 38-10.5-7.0 line, before missing the 2023 season, save the first two games, with foot injuries. Returned in 2024, posting 32-9.0-5.5, then had his most productive season this past year, with 56-15.5-10.5 as of the time of writing (following Miami’s win over Ohio State.)
Positives
Has five seasons of impressive production across two different programs. Well-built end who has played anywhere from 265-280, and can line up at different techniques. Like his teammate Rueben Bain Jr., brings a “bull in a china shop” approach to the game, focused on aggressively forcing his way through gaps to create disruption. Shows good reaction times and suddenness out of his stance, with impressive contact balance to work his way into the backfield, often with a rip move. Has a lot of power in his hands to jolt defenders on contact and shed when appropriate. Brings a nonstop motor which also gives him better range than anticipated given his size. Physical tone-setter who has a lot of power as a hitter. Go-to as a pass-rusher is the inside move, mirroring his approach in the run game, but also uses his explosive first step well as an edge rusher. Looks like a smooth mover around the corner, and uses his hands well. Successfully converts speed to power to walk back opposing blockers, showing nice leg drive and impressive brute force. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes. Took a surprising amount of snaps in coverage this year and looks capable of making the occasional spot drop.
Negatives
Overaged and will be 25 as a rookie after spending six years in school. Aggressiveness sometimes goes over into a lack of discipline, leading to balance issues. Overall gap discipline in the run game can be a bit of an issue. Has a bit of a tendency to lower his head into contact, barreling into opponents but losing track of the ballcarrier; lapses into throwing his body around and could get extension more consistently to lock out opponents. Feet will likely be flagged for review at the Combine to make sure he’s fully recovered after missing most of the 2023 season, although his past two seasons are cause for optimism.
Summary
One of the most violent, intense edges in the class, he combines impressive explosiveness with plenty of strength, an excellent motor, and surprisingly smooth edge-rushing skills, traits which could make him a starter in an aggressive one-gap front. Temperamentally, however, may not be a fit for every scheme, especially those which favor patience and discipline. Has early-round talent, but being significantly older than some of his peers could cause him to slide a bit in what is a deep defensive end class.
Projection: Round 2
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