Akheem Mesidor Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

School: Miami

Class:Redshirt Senior

Position:EDGE

HT: 6’3

WT: 265 lbs

Background: Akheem Mesidor is originally from Ottawa, Ontario, where he played for Royal Imperial Collegiate of Canada in 2018. For his final two years of high school, Mesidor transferred to Clearwater Academy International in Florida. He recorded 18 TFLs and 10 sacks as a senior. Mesidor was a 3-star edge rusher and top 100 player in the state of Florida. He chose to play for West Virginia over UCLA, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and Pittsburgh.

College: In two seasons with the Mountaineers, Mesidor totaled 70 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, and 9.5 sacks. He was named an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection in 2021. Ahead of the 2022 season, Mesidor chose to transfer to Miami. In his first season as a Hurricane, Mesidor was an All-ACC honorable mention with 10.5 TFLs. He was injured early in the 2023 season, missing most of the year. He was back to being an All-ACC honorable mention selection with 9 TFLs and 5.5 sacks in 2024. However, his real breakout was in 2025. Mesidor was an All-American and First Team All-ACC selection after posting 17.5 sacks and 12.5 sacks.

Strengths: Akheem Mesidor is a versatile edge rusher who can win in a variety of ways. He has the strength to bull rush and overpower offensive tackles, but shows the movement skills and athleticism to win on the edge with finesse. He is prime example of an edge rusher converting speed to power once he reaches the point of attack. His footwork is impeccable, working to leverage opponents to get optimal angles to the backfield. On tape, his chop pops as his most effective pass rushing move. He is able to quickly deconstruct blocks and break free of any grip with a devastating chop. Mesidor is also a willing and effective run defender. He gets into the backfield and has a nose for the ball in muddy waters.

Weaknesses: Mesidor’s breakout age being his redshirt senior season is alarming. Was it lightning in a bottle? Will he be able to take that production with him to the NFL? Valid questions are to be asked. He is an older prospect who will not be given the standard leash to develop that a typical rookie is given. He can be susceptible to down blocks in open space due to his nose for going after the football with tunnel vision, not paying enough attention to how the play is developing around him. At times, Mesidor gets off balance in his rush.

Conclusion: Akheem Mesidor is a productive pass rusher who really burst onto the scene this past season. He is older and should not be looked at as the future but should be the present. His playstyle and frame should translate well to the NFL game.

Best Team Fits: CIN, DAL, GB

Player Comparison: Moro Ojomo

Player Grade: Round 3 (79.8)