Chiefs Draft Profile: Akheem Mesidor could force KC to choose tape over traits

The Kansas City Chiefs have an obvious need along the defensive line after the unit tied for 26th in the NFL in sacks in 2025. George Karlaftis led all edge rushers with six sacks, and the pass rush lacks juice. No college defensive line produced more than in 2025 than the Miami Hurricanes at the collegiate level, and while Rueben Bain Jr. has become the draft crush of many Chiefs fans, his teammate might be a better fit.

Akheem Mesidor is an interesting case in tape versus draft stock. A lengthy injury history and age could have him way down teams’ boards, but the tape says he’s playing like a first-round talent. Mesidor is so old he faced off against Jalen Reagor and Denzel Mims in his freshman year, both of whom were drafted in 2020. However, you can’t ignore his production this year in some of the biggest moments in college football.

The Chiefs’ draft strategy has a chance to be dramatically different in 2026 due to where they are selecting. Their emphasis on upside and youth might need to pivot toward high-floor, immediate contributors with their early selections, considering how important this draft is to their immediate and long-term future.

To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds.

NFL Draft Profile: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

Age: 25 (on draft day)

Height: 6-3 (listed)

Weight: 265 LBS. (listed)

Tape Exposure: Ole Miss (2025), NC State (2025), Notre Dame (2025)

Shades of: Boogie Basham

Akheem Mesidor's background

Mesidor’s football journey started in Canada, growing up in Ottawa and competing at the youth level with the North Gloucester Giants. His path through high school included stops at multiple schools across the Ottawa area, along with time at Royal Imperial Collegiate in St. Catharines. Prior to his final prep season, he made the move to Florida to attend Clearwater Academy International. Viewed as a three-star recruit, Mesidor ultimately committed to West Virginia, opting for the Mountaineers over opportunities from programs such as UCLA, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and Pitt.

Mesidor’s lengthy college career began in 2020 at West Virginia, where he played for two seasons, logging 9.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. He entered the transfer portal in 2022 as a four-star prospect and committed to Miami. He was granted a medical redshirt year after missing almost all of the 2023 season. In all, he finished his career with the Hurricanes with 26 sacks and 38 tackles for loss.

Assessing Akheem Mesidor's strengths

Versatility

Mesidor is a thick-built power rusher who can anchor even against some double teams. He has taken snaps all across the defensive line. Early in his career at West Virginia, he was even used as a nose tackle. His experience makes him a pass-rush weapon that can create mismatches along the defensive interior. His speed-and-size combination still makes him a threat on the outside. His 17.8% pass-rush win rate ranks in the 90th percentile over the last two seasons, via Pro Football Focus.

Pass Rush Tools

Mesidor displays several tools to rush the quarterback, including a bull rush, hand swipe, and swim move. Coached by the legendary Jason Taylor at Miami, he is highly technically refined. An excellent first step and hand fighting have allowed him to win consistently as a pass rusher.

Run Defense

Despite changing his body type over the years, Mesidor has managed to still be an above-average run defender on the edge. He is able to rip and shed offensive line blocks and is a mismatch against tight ends and backs. His 87.1 PFF run-defense grade is among the better grades in the draft class.

Diagnosing Akheem Mesidor's weaknesses

Draft Profile

Why does age matter so much to teams, including the Chiefs? It’s not just about when they get their second contract; it’s also about athletic upside. How much physical growth and development is left in a player like Mesidor? He’s almost a full year older than the Chiefs’ 2023 first-round pick, Felix Anudike-Uzomah. He also lost almost a full season to a foot injury, another concern for any defensive or offensive lineman.

Is he an #1?

It’s no coincidence that Mesidor really started stacking great numbers when his teammate Rueben Bain started making waves. There’s a good chance Mesidor is drafted early on Day 2 or maybe even late Day 1. That type of player is supposed to be one who can win on their own and dominate. Can he be that, or is he a #2?

Athleticism

Not an overly explosive athlete, he might have an underwhelming combine. On tape, you can see some limitations getting around the edge with bend and burst, especially against top-end competition. He looks better athletically on the inside.

Is Akheem Mesidor worth changing for?

Traditionally, the draft profile Mesidor has is not one that the Chiefs would be in on until Day 3. With that being said, their track record along the defensive line isn’t exactly the best. Maybe taking a high-floor player with lots of experience isn’t a bad idea rather than crossing their fingers and taking someone with more upside. Mesidor has plenty of reasons why Kansas City and Steve Spagnuolo would really like his play style. The question is whether the Chiefs trust the tape or the profile.

Akheem Mesidor is a versatile and refined edge rusher who has several paths to success. He can win all across the defensive line and is a strong run defender as well. Limited athleticism, age, and bend make him a high-floor yet low-ceiling prospect at the edge position.

Round Grade: Green Chip (2nd Round)