The Los Angeles Chargers had just one pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and decided to spend that on the defensive side of the ball.
Akheem Mesidor, the edge rusher from Miami, will have the opportunity to learn among a defensive unit led by Khalil Mack. At the age of 25 years old, he could be viewed as a plug-and-play option for the Bolts this season.
Mesidor finished his college career with 35.5 total sacks, including 12.5 in 2025. He spent two years at West Virginia before transferring to Miami for the last four years of his career.
His 35.5 total sacks tie him for third, along with Central Florida's Bruce Miller (2007-10) and Washington's Hau'oli Kikaha (2010-14), among the NCAA career sack leaders.
Only Louisiana Tech's Jaylon Ferguson (45 sacks, 2015-18) and Ja'Von Rolland-Jones (43.5 sacks, 2014-17) had more.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaThe first round of the 2026 NFL Draft brings franchise‑defining moments as teams make their selections from the top of the board.See how picks 1 through 32 came off the clock as the next generation of NFL talent enters the league.
Kansas City Chiefs (from Browns) − CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Washington Commanders − LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
New Orleans Saints − WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Cleveland Browns (from Chiefs) − OL Spencer Fano, Utah
Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals) − OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Dallas Cowboys (from Dolphins) − S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Miami Dolphins (from Cowboys) − OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) − QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Tampa Bay Buccaneers − DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) − TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Philadelphia Eagles (from Green Bay Packers via Cowboys) − WR Makai Lemon, USC
Pittsburgh Steelers − OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Los Angeles Chargers − DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
Cowboys (from Eagles) − DE Malachi Lawrence, Central Florida