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Los Angeles Chargers landed Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the former Miami Hurricanes edge rusher already looks like the perfect fit for Jim Harbaugh’s defense. GM Joe Hortiz made it clear on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams: this isn’t some raw prospect who needs years to develop. Mesidor arrives battle-tested and ready to produce.

Hortiz didn’t mince words when asked about the rookie’s age. He sees it as a massive plus. Six full years of college ball at West Virginia and then Miami sharpened Mesidor into a finished product. The GM watched the tape and liked what he saw: a guy who plays with discipline and polish most young pass rushers take seasons to find.

“It means that he is experienced. He’s had six years to hone his game. You watch him on film: he is so polished, he’s so disciplined, he is ready to go… He’s ready to make an impact right away. So, to us, it is an advantage. You talk about a ready-made player who is going to come in and hit the ground running and perform for us.”

— Chargers GM Joe Hortiz on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, May 2026