Akheem Mesidor

NFL Draft Profile: Akheem Mesidor

Position: Defensive End / EDGE | School: Miami (FL) | Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6'3" | Weight: 265 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

Akheem Mesidor’s journey is a story of explosive potential refined through six years of high-level collegiate football. Starting his career at West Virginia as a disruptive interior hybrid, he earned Freshman All-American honors before transferring to Miami in 2022. While his 2023 season was derailed by a recurring foot injury, his 2025 campaign was a complete "rebirth." Mesidor emerged as one of the most efficient pass rushers in the country, forming a terrifying duo with Rueben Bain Jr. He finished the 2025 regular season with 8.5 sacks and a career-high 4 forced fumbles, proving that when healthy, his hand usage and first-step quickness are among the best in the class.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 62 (2020–2025)

• Total Tackles: 196 (51 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 47.0 (13.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 31.5 (8.5 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 5 (4 in 2025)

• Career Note: First-Team All-ACC (2025).

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
Notre Dame	3 Tkl, 1.5 Sacks	A	Two sacks on the final three plays to seal the win.
Bethune-Cookman	0 Stats	B-	Played limited snaps in a blowout victory.
South Florida	1 Tkl, 0.5 Sack	B	Solid pressure; split a sack in a contain role.
Florida	3 Tkl, 0.5 Sack	B+	High Motor display; chased down the QB twice.
@ Florida State	6 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	A-	Star impact in the rivalry; set a physical edge.
Louisville	3 Tkl	C+	Worst Game. Sustained foot injury in 4th Quarter.
@ SMU	1 Tkl	B-	Played through injury; snap count was limited.
Syracuse	3 Tkl, 1.5 Sacks	A-	Mental Toughness. Returned from injury with 1.5 sacks.
NC State	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	B+	Elite Acceleration off the snap; forced a hurry.
@ Virginia Tech	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	A-	Consistently won with a long-arm power rush.
@ Pittsburgh	1 Tkl	B	High IQ day; sniffed out three screen plays.
CFP: Texas A&M	3 Tkl, 1.5 Sacks	A+	Playoff Beast. Recorded 11 total QB pressures.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Pass Rush Bag: Mesidor possesses one of the most refined hand-fighting techniques in the draft. His cross-chop and speed-to-power transitions are NFL-ready.

• Versatility: Has the bulk to slide inside to 3-technique on passing downs but the Speed to win around the arc as a 5-technique.

• First-Step Twitch: His Acceleration is visible on tape; he frequently beats tackles to their "set" point, forcing them into recovery mode.

• Leadership: A sixth-year senior and vocal veteran of the Hurricanes' locker room; he sets the tone for the defensive front.

Weaknesses

• Injury Reliability: The recurring "lower extremity" (foot) injuries are a major red flag. Teams will need a clean medical check to invest high capital.

• Age Factor: He will be 25 years old during his rookie season, which caps his "developmental" ceiling in the eyes of some GMs.

• Run Support Consistency: While a physical edge setter, he occasionally gets too far upfield in his pass rush, opening lanes for draw plays and scrambles.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 4-3 Defensive End or a 3-4 5-Technique in a heavy-pressure scheme.

NFL Comparison: Denico Autry / Dre'Mont Jones

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 19/20 | Athleticism: 18/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 91/100

Akheem Mesidor is the "ready-made" disruptor of this class. If you ignore the age and the medical charts, his 2025 tape is that of a first-round pick. His performance in the College Football Playoff against Texas A&M—where he logged 11 pressures—was a statement to NFL scouts that he can dominate pro-level talent. He is a high-IQ player who wins with a blend of Strength and a deep pass-rush arsenal. Because of his medical history and age, he may slide, but the team that grabs him is getting an immediate starter who can impact all three downs.

Draft Projection: 2nd - 3rd Round (Strong Senior Bowl could boost to Late 1st)