The Chargers added the edge rusher they needed in Akhaeem Mesidor. Carmen Mandato / Getty Images
By Daniel Popper and The Athletic NFL Staff
April 23, 2026Updated April 24, 2026 2:04 am EDT
The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft.Â
The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with five picks over the three-day draft.
The Chargers used their first pick to select Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor at No. 22. They also still hold their original picks in the second through fourth rounds, as well as the sixth round. Their fifth-round pick was sent to the Baltimore Ravens in the Odafe Oweh trade last season and their seventh-round pick was shipped out ahead of the 2024 season when they acquired Elijah Molden from the Tennessee Titans. (The pick now belongs to the Miami Dolphins).
Keep coming back here throughout the draft for grades and analysis of each Chargers pick.
Round 1No. 22: Akheem Mesidor, edge, MiamiHow he fits
The Chargers had a huge need at edge rusher after Odafe Oweh left in free agency to sign with the Washington Commanders. They re-signed Khalil Mack, and Tuli Tuipulotu is under contract. But they were missing a third edge to bolster the pass rush, particularly in known-passing situations. The Chargers’ defense was at its best last season when Mack, Tuipulotu and Oweh were all on the field together. Mesidor fills that hole, and he is a player who can make an impact immediately. Mesidor is physical and violent both as a run defender and pass rusher. Mack is also entering his age-35 season. The Chargers now have an exit plan for life after Mack. — Daniel Popper
Dane Brugler’s analysis
From Brugler’s Top 300 rankings: Along with his urgent upfield quickness, he has aggressive, well-timed hands and a deep bag of rush moves, which allows him to vary his attack and create challenging angles for blockers. He is a physical run defender with adequate play strength, although he can get stuck on blocks and needs to continue maturing his escape maneuvers.
Grade: A-Daniel Popper’s analysis
Los Angeles Chargers select Miami’s Akheem Mesidor with No. 22 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Round 2
No. 55
Round 3
No. 86
Round 4
No. 123
Round 6
No. 204
Apr 24, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle