NFL Draft Breakdown: Could Akheem Mesidor Be the Right Fit for the Chiefs’ Defensive Line Fix?
The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear need: juice off the edge. After finishing tied for 26th in sacks last season, the pass rush simply didn’t get home often enough.
George Karlaftis led the group with six sacks, but beyond that, it was a quiet year for a defense that otherwise held its own. If Kansas City wants to keep its championship window wide open, it’s going to have to start by turning up the heat on opposing quarterbacks.
One name that’s starting to gain traction among Chiefs fans-and perhaps inside the building-is Miami’s Akheem Mesidor. While much of the buzz has centered around his more explosive teammate Rueben Bain Jr., Mesidor might actually be the better schematic fit for what Kansas City needs right now.
Let’s break down why.
The Case for Akheem Mesidor
Versatility That Spagnuolo Will Love
Mesidor brings something that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has always valued: positional flexibility. At 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, he’s lined up everywhere from nose tackle to edge rusher, and he’s held his own at each spot. Early in his career at West Virginia, he was even asked to eat up space on the inside-something you don’t typically ask of a future edge prospect.
That versatility isn’t just for show. Mesidor’s ability to slide across the line creates matchup problems for offenses and gives Spags the kind of chess piece he can move around depending on the situation.
His 17.8% pass-rush win rate over the past two seasons ranks in the 90th percentile, per Pro Football Focus. That’s not just good-it’s disruptive.
A Refined Pass-Rush Repertoire
Mesidor isn’t the type of edge rusher who wins purely off traits. He wins with technique, leverage, and a deep bag of moves. That’s no accident-he was coached by Hall of Famer Jason Taylor at Miami, and it shows.
He’s got a polished bull rush, a slick hand swipe, and a swim move that can catch linemen leaning. His first step is solid, and his hand usage is advanced for a college prospect.
He’s not just trying to win with raw speed-he’s thinking through his rush and countering when needed. That’s the kind of maturity you want from a player who could step in and contribute right away.
Run Defense That Holds Up
Mesidor’s not just a pass-rusher, either. He’s a stout run defender who can anchor against double teams and disengage from blocks.
His 87.1 run-defense grade from PFF is among the best in this draft class. Whether he’s setting the edge or crashing down inside, he plays with strong hands and a low pad level, making him tough to move.
He’s also a mismatch against tight ends and backs in the run game-he simply overpowers them. That kind of physicality is something the Chiefs could use more of, especially on early downs.
The Red Flags: Age, Health, and Athletic Ceiling
Older Prospect, Shorter Runway
Mesidor will be 25 on draft day, which is on the older side for a rookie. For context, he was on the field against Jalen Reagor and Denzel Mims as a freshman-both of whom were drafted back in 2020.
That matters to NFL teams, and not just because of second-contract timing. At 25, you’re likely getting a player who’s close to his physical ceiling.
There’s not a ton of developmental upside left.
For a team like Kansas City, which typically favors younger, toolsy prospects early in the draft, that could be a sticking point.
Injury History
Mesidor also missed most of the 2023 season with a foot injury, which raises durability concerns-especially for a player who wins with power and leverage. Foot injuries can be tricky for linemen, and teams will want to see clean medicals before investing a premium pick.
Is He a True No. 1?
One of the lingering questions with Mesidor is whether he can be “the guy” on a defensive front. His production spiked once Rueben Bain Jr. started commanding attention, which makes you wonder: was Mesidor benefiting from single matchups, or was he creating them?
If you’re drafting him late in the first or early on Day 2, you want a player who can win one-on-one consistently. The tape shows flashes, but not always dominance.
Athletic Limitations
Mesidor isn’t the most explosive athlete off the edge. He lacks elite bend and top-tier burst, which could show up during combine testing.
On film, he looks more comfortable and effective working inside, where his strength and technique play up. That’s not necessarily a bad thing-it just means he may not be your prototypical twitchy edge rusher.
A Fit Worth Considering
Historically, Mesidor isn’t the kind of prospect the Chiefs have targeted early. He’s older, has some injury baggage, and doesn’t pop off the screen athletically.
But this draft could be different for Kansas City. With their Super Bowl core still intact but aging, the team may need to prioritize plug-and-play contributors over long-term projects.
Mesidor fits that bill. He’s experienced, technically sound, and versatile enough to fill multiple roles across the defensive line. He may not have the ceiling of a top-tier edge prospect, but his floor is high-and for a team looking to win now, that could be exactly what they need.
So, is he worth changing the draft approach for? That’s the big question.
If the Chiefs trust the tape and believe in his fit within Spagnuolo’s system, Mesidor could be a smart, safe pick who helps immediately. And given the current state of the pass rush, that might be more valuable than rolling the dice on traits alone.
Bottom Line: Akheem Mesidor might not be the flashiest name on the board, but he’s got the kind of game that wins in January. For a Chiefs team looking to keep the dynasty rolling, that’s a name worth circling.