The Los Angeles Chargers selected Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd pick of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This is a pick that makes a ton of sense for a Jim Harbaugh-led squad. Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz picked the best player available, according to ESPN rankings, and it is a position of need.
With Odafe Oweh leaving for the Washington Commanders in free agency, the Bolts needed to make sure that they have a third edge rusher to go with their two star players. Furthermore, Khalil Mack is aging and does not have many dominant seasons left in him. Mesidor, depsite being 25 years of age already, is someone who can contribute right away on the defensive line. Mesidor dominated during his time at Miami and played very well in the national championship loss to Indiana.
For the PFF curious folks…
Akheem Mesidor’s Grades: pic.twitter.com/8tVjeIu9MH
— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) April 24, 2026
Some players just look like Jim Harbaugh-type guys.
Akheem Mesidor is that kind of player. pic.twitter.com/lFqEQc1JUF
— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) April 24, 2026
After the draft, Hortiz and Harbaugh discussed the pick. The two goofballs had an answer in the only way they knew how.
Jim Harbaugh on pairing Akheem Mesidor wiht Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu:
“That’s fire, as the young people would say. Super excited.”
Joe Hortiz: “It’s lit” pic.twitter.com/gt9mQOFfIt
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) April 24, 2026
Harbaugh is going to love this pick. The Chargers are building this team in the trenches, but the health was not 100% last season. Justin Herbert did not have either of his two All-Pro tackles, and the offensive line is going to look very different moving forward. Another interior lineman is needed in this draft, and it would not be a shock if the Bolts took one with their second-round pick.
With Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Akheem Mesidor, Kyle Kennard, Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, and Tyler Biadasz all in the trenches, the Bolts have something serious to work with.
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