The 2026 NFL Draft kicked off Thursday evening and Round 1 of the three-day event did not disappoint. There was excitement, shock, and emotion from fans, the media, and the rookie class.

The Chargers snagged the best edge rusher available with the No. 22 overall pick. Akheem Mesidor is coming off a dominant 2025 season, where he produced 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.

Mesidor is set to replace free agent departure Odafe Oweh in the pass-rush rotation. Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu will remain the starters. He projects as the primary EDGE3 and a long-term starter once Mack’s one-year deal expires.

The 2025 campaign was the 25-year-old's sixth season of his collegiate career. Following Day 1 of the draft, general manager Joe Hortiz believes Mesidor's age gives him an advantage over other rookies in this year's draft class.

"We interviewed him in Indy. You felt that in the room," Hortiz said of the edge's maturity. "He's experienced. He got an education in football at Miami. ... Age is just a number."

But before Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke to the media, the duo made an important phone call to Mesidor himself.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Watch the moment Akheem Mesidor gets the draft call from the Chargers