The 2026 NFL Draft is still a couple of years away, but the evaluation process is already heating up. One name generating significant buzz is Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, who recently visited the Cincinnati Bengals on April 10th, according to NFL Network reports. He was joined by fellow prospects Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech and Rueben Bain Jr., his teammate at Miami.

Mesidor's journey to the draft is a compelling one. The Ottawa, Ontario native has shown immense dedication, even famously walking over two miles in a snowstorm to attend football training as a youth. His collegiate career spanned two seasons at West Virginia and four at Miami, where he overlapped with current Bengals players DJ Ivey and Jalen Rivers, connections that could factor into Cincinnati's interest.

On the field, his final college season was a statement year. Mesidor earned first-team All-ACC honors, tying for fifth in the conference with 17.5 tackles for loss and tying for sixth with four forced fumbles. This followed an honorable mention All-ACC season in 2024 where he started all 13 games, notching 32 tackles, nine TFLs, and 5.5 sacks.

Draft analysts are high on his pro potential. ESPN's Matt Miller views him as a likely first-round pick, citing his explosive tape, speed, and ferocity against the run. "I think if you just looked at the tape, you would think top-15 pick," Miller said. However, he noted that Mesidor's age (25) and injury history might see him land in the back half of the first round.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein praised Mesidor as an "instinctive, high-effort edge rusher with a fluid rush style and a deep toolbox," highlighting his ability to burst upfield and counter offensive tackles. The consensus is clear: Mesidor possesses the talent and motor to be an immediate impact player at the next level, making his pre-draft visits a key part of his ascent up team boards.