The New England Patriots can take their pick of positions to address during the 2026 NFL Draft.
It’s easy to see them targeting someone who can rush the passer, depth options at linebacker and/or tight end, competition along the offensive line, someone who can provide a spark to the skill position group, and... well, pretty much anything else you can think of.
I just don't think they can do it all…
If the club intends on putting itself in a position to regularly contend, it will need to prioritize things perfectly and put together another superb draft class -- which might just include Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor:
Bio:
Akheem Mesidor
Position: EDGE
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 259 lbs
Hand: 10"
Arm: 32 1/8"
Scouting Combine: N/A
2025 Stats: 15 G, 12.5 SCK, 17.5 TFL, 4 FF, 63 TKL
Pros:
Mesidor is someone who has produced for two different programs, finishing with 35.5 career sacks across six seasons at West Virginia (23 games) and Miami (42 games) — while playing under some tremendous tutors like Jason Taylor and Charlie Strong.
CAN WIN WITH SPEED OR POWER
GOOD PASS-RUSH RECOGNITION, HAS EFFECTIVE COUNTERS AND BASES PLAN OFF OL SET
GREAT BACKSIDE RUN DEFENDER, PLUS EFFORT AND ANGLES
IMPECCABLE HANDS, HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH TOOLS IN THE BAG
SCHEME VERSATILE, CAN PLAY FROM ALL ALIGNMENTS
EFFORT AND FINISH ARE ELITE
Cons:
Mesidor’s age (25) has been a popular topic of discussion, with many thinking there is a chance he already reached his peak form.
UNDERSIZED (SUBPAR HEIGHT, LENGTH)
ONE OF OLDEST ROOKIES IN CLASS
OVERZEALOUS RUN DEFENDER, SUSCEPTIBLE TO COUNTERS
Akheem Mesidor with the sack at the 2025 @CFBPlayoff Quarterfinal at the 90th #GoodyearCottonBowl Classic! #LikeNoOther | #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/WSQ8TADaSy
— Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (@CottonBowlGame) January 1, 2026
Grade and Player Comparison:
Mesidor has plenty of talent and you can’t question his effort, but he isn’t as physically gifted as many of the options you would typically be picking from in the first round — you aren’t going to mistake him for Myles Garrett, Travon Walker, Jared Verse, or Abdul Carter.
The NFL has had an influx of players who don’t necessarily look like they’re carved out of stone but can still impact the opposing quarterback, though, like Tuli Tuipulotu and Laiatu Latu. If you’re convinced that players are talented enough, size might not necessarily matter. Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis fits the play style and general build if you're looking for a player comparison, though that does feel like the floor based on the talent level.
GRADE: B
PLAYER COMP: George Karlaftis
The Patriots ______ Akheem Mesidor:
“should hope they have an opportunity to draft”
New England lost depth and talent at the position during the early portion of free agency, bringing aboard Dre'Mont Jones before releasing Anfernee Jennings and losing K'Lavon Chaisson. If we're talking about straight numbers, they're worse off now than they were at the end of the season.
Romeo Doubs, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Kevin Byard help make up some of the deficiencies at wide receiver, offensive line, and safety, respectively, so there is no longer much of a doubt what this team's primary need is entering the 2026 NFL Draft. It's a deep class, which we'll continue to talk more about across the coming weeks, but they're going to need to hope and pray that one of the no-brainer options falls to them at No. 31. Mesidor is the most realistic option, and that is no slight on him.
More NFL:Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026