The Los Angeles Chargers are closing in on the start of preseason, and one rookie is already making noise in camp.
Akheem Mesidor, the former Miami Hurricanes edge rusher and first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft, has quickly stood out during the opening stretch of practices. That’s notable because Mesidor drew plenty of criticism for spending an extended run in college as a super senior, making him one of the oldest players taken in the draft. But that extra time also left him looking like a more finished product heading into the league, and it’s showing up early.
Thomas Martinez of Los Angeles Chargers on SI called Mesidor one of the winners of the first few days of training camp. In Martinez’s words:
"First-round picks carry expectations when they walk into their first taste of NFL action. Akheem Mesidor is thriving in his first NFL camp. His play will not be able to be fully evaluated until they practice in pads but his traits have been on full display.
Mesidor was known as an edge rusher with an elite first step off of the ball and that trait has been popping through the first week of camp. He is an older rookie but the maturity and work ethic he has displayed, while Tuli Tuipulotu is holding in for a new contract, has garnered the respect of coaches and teammates. His explosiveness off the ball will be counted on by the Chargers pass rush this season."
The real evaluation won’t come until the preseason and regular season, when the contact ramps up and the pads go on. Even so, the early signs are encouraging for a player the Chargers may want to help immediately.
At 25, Mesidor is in a different spot than most rookies. Los Angeles is likely looking for someone who can step in and win snaps against quality competition right away, and he appears to have that kind of path if his camp form carries over.
He might not be asked to start immediately, but the Chargers could turn to him if needed this season. For now, he’s giving them plenty to like before the games begin.
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