When the Los Angeles Chargers selected edge rusher Ahkeem Mesidor with the No. 22 overall pick, they knew they were getting a player with serious potential. But what they didn't expect was just how prepared he would be for rookie minicamp.

Mesidor, who starred at Miami, revealed that he went above and beyond to hit the ground running. Between draft day and the start of minicamp, he held three virtual meetings with Chargers outside linebackers coach Dylan Roney, diving deep into the playbook to ensure he wouldn't be playing catch-up.

"I've been meeting with him on Zoom three times before coming here," Mesidor said. "Just diving into the playbook so I'm a step ahead of others." He added that each session was limited to an hour, but that was enough to build a solid foundation.

That dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary praised Mesidor's professional approach, calling him "mature, professional, and a technician on the field." O'Leary noted, "When you listen to him talk about pass rush, you can tell he loves the game, he's got a high football IQ, and he's really into building his craft."

Mesidor is joining a stacked edge rusher room that includes Tuli Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack, Bud Dupree, and Kyle Kennard. While he's not expected to be an immediate starter, his work ethic and football IQ suggest he'll be a valuable contributor off the bench—and a player to watch as the season unfolds.