Akheem Mesidor — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Mesidor is a force off the edge. Lions Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson certainly approves of this selection, although Detroit might opt to address the offensive line here. Could this be a spot for Alabama's Kadyn Proctor or Clemson's Blake Miller?

General manager Dan Morgan has made no bones about the Panthers' need to improve their pass rush after finishing at or near the bottom of the league in sacks the past three seasons. Mesidor had huge production as a super senior for Morgan's alma mater and was a disruptive force during the College Football Playoff. But the Ontario native is 25, and I immediately experienced buyer's remorse after making this pick because of the age concerns. Georgia linebacker CJ Allen and Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk quickly went off the board after the Panthers picked. I got a little scared off by Faulk's drop in production last season, but the 6-6, 270-pounder has impressive traits and a ton of upside. I'll consider this my warm-up mock and will probably look to go younger in the next one.

After taking a CB at No. 12, the Cowboys nab an edge rusher. Teams might have to get comfortable with Mesidor's age -- he will be a 25-year-old rookie -- but he was dominant during Miami's run in the College Football Playoff. Then again, if the Chiefs would take this pick in a trade for Trent McDuffie (entering the final year of his rookie deal), the Cowboys would solve their secondary issues in the blink of an eye.

The Panthers addressed their pass-rush need last year by taking Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen in the second and third rounds, respectively. But no Panthers player reached the six-sack mark for the second straight season.

Mesidor is a tenacious rusher who had 5.5 sacks and 16 pressures in Miami's four CFP games. He has violent hands, a diverse arsenal of moves and a first step that throws tackles onto their heels. The complicating factor is that Mesidor will turn 25 before the draft. Would every team be comfortable taking him in the first round? I don't believe so, but this is a worthwhile move for a roster that is aiming to step up in the NFC hierarchy.

Aidan Hutchinson draws too many double teams, so it'd be wise for the Lions to get another edge rusher to pair opposite him. Edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad might also cash in on his 11-sack year in free agency this year. Mesidor is massive, weighing 280 pounds. He is older, though, as he'll be 25 when he's drafted in April.