Akheem

Mesidor

Mesidor’s $20.456 million contract is fully guaranteed. Mesidor, 25, racked up 17.5 TFLs, 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles last season. He can contribute both as a pass rusher and as a run defender. Mesidor should compete for a starting role right away, opposite EDGE Khalil Mack, in a pass-rush unit that totaled 49 sacks in the 2025 regular season.

Mesidor (6’3/259) is a six-year, grizzled vet who finally put it all together in 2025, posting a dominant 92.5 overall PFF grade with a matching 92.5 pass-rush mark while generating 67 total pressures, 13 sacks and 50 hurries across 445 pass-rush snaps. One of only two FBS defenders to eclipse 17.5 TFL, 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles last season, Mesidor’s 167 career pressures and 35.5 sacks underscore a rare blend of consistency and high-end production. He wins with urgent first-step quickness, violent hands and a deep, well-schemed rush arsenal that allows him to create advantageous angles and stress tackles despite lacking elite length. Mesidor’s play style is relentless. He’s a “hair on fire” defender who can snatch blockers off balance, diagnose screens and generate chaos both off the edge and when reduced inside on passing downs. However, his 6’3”, sub-ideal length profile and only adequate explosiveness by NFL standards show up when he gets stuck on blocks or overruns plays, while his 20.0 percent missed tackle rate in 2025 highlights issues with control and balance at the finish. Mesidor projects as a high-motor, three-down edge with interior subpackage versatility whose pass-rush production and play temperament give him starter upside despite measurable limitations. Mesidor will be tasked with replacing Odafe Oweh, who left in free agency, as a rookie.

Mesidor (6'2"/270) has had a very nice two years with the Mountaineers, racking up 70 total tackles (14.5 for loss) and 9.5 sacks. In 2021 he made Phil Steele’s All-Big 12 Third Team, and was an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention by the coaches. It’s a major loss for WVU, who were often reliant on a strong defense to make up for where their offense (ranked 88th in points per game) lacked.

Mesidor 96'3/255) took officials to Pitt and Syracuse down the stretch this fall, but West Virginia ended up winning out for the Ottawa native. He played his prep ball at Clearwater Academy International, in Florida. On the 247Sports composite board, Mesidor slots in as the No. 645 overall prospect in the 2020 class.

Mesidor (6'3/255) moved to the States from Canada in the spring, and since enrolling at Clearwater Academy International in Florida his recruiting profile has improved. The three-star defensive end attended camp at Florida on Friday, and programs such as Georgia Tech, Kansas, Louisville, Pittsburgh and West Virginia have offered. Syracuse has been labeled by some analysts as the leader in Mesidor’s recruitment, but with the increased attention he plans to taking more time before making a decision. “I’m going to delay my commitment day now that I have a couple more opportunities from schools,” Mesidor told John Garcia Jr. of 247Sports.com. “I want to make the right decision.” He’ll visit West Virginia next week, and that’s likely the first of many visits for this rising prospect.