The 2026 NFL Draft is still on the horizon, but the pre-draft process is heating up for top prospects. Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, a projected early-round pick, recently visited the Cincinnati Bengals, according to NFL Network reports. The visit signals serious interest from a team always looking to bolster its defensive front.

Mesidor brings a wealth of college experience, having played two seasons at West Virginia before transferring to Miami for his final four years. His path to the NFL is a story of dedication; born in Ottawa, Ontario, he once braved a snowstorm, walking over two miles just to attend football training. That relentless work ethic translated to the field, where he earned first-team All-ACC honors in his final season after shedding 20 pounds to get into the best shape of his life.

On the stat sheet, Mesidor was a disruptive force. He tied for fifth in the ACC with 17.5 tackles for loss and tied for sixth with four forced fumbles in his final campaign, building on a solid 2024 season where he recorded 32 tackles, nine TFLs, and 5.5 sacks. His explosive play has draft analysts buzzing. ESPN's Matt Miller believes the tape shows a top-15 talent, citing his speed and ferocity against the run, though injury history and age (25) might see him land in the back half of the first round.

NFL.com's draft profile echoes that sentiment, praising Mesidor as an "instinctive, high-effort edge rusher with a fluid rush style and a deep toolbox." For the Bengals, there's a familiar connection, as Mesidor was a college teammate of current Bengals defensive back DJ Ivey and offensive lineman Jalen Rivers. As the draft approaches, Mesidor's combination of proven production, athletic transformation, and relentless motor makes him a fascinating prospect to watch, especially for a team like Cincinnati looking to pressure AFC quarterbacks.