As the month of March continues and all 32 NFL franchises look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears will have four picks in the top-100, including two in the second round, providing the front office with plenty of opportunities to add long-term building blocks on defense who fit Dennis Allen's scheme.
After not adding an edge rusher in free agency, the Bears could use one of their top-100 selections on an edge rusher to pair with veteran Montez Sweat and third-year player Austin Booker. One name who should really intrigue Chicago is Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, a key part of Miami's defensive line since 2022.
Let's get into our scouting report on Mesidor.
Akheem Mesidor, University of Miami, (6-foot-3, 259 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"Mesidor is an instinctive, high-effort edge rusher with a fluid rush style and a deep toolbox. He bursts upfield and can shrink the corner while punishing oversetting tackles with inside counters. He strings moves together with effortless mid-rush adjustments, utilizing harmonious hands and feet to carve efficient tracks into the pocket. He's a problem for guards when reduced inside, too. His urgency shows up in run defense, where he uses play strength and short-area quickness to disrupt blocking schemes and stay around the football. He won't be as long as most edge-setters and his anchor at the point is just average. The talent and motor are obvious, but his age and injury history could push some teams to discount his grade below what the tape shows."
Film:
Strengths:
- Explosive first step and great anticipation to get into the backfield as soon as the ball is snapped.
- Eyes are disciplined and always looking at the quarterback.
- Variety of pass rush moves that he is willing to utilize on an every down basis.
- Versatility will be attractive at the next level. He should be able to fit in an even or odd front.
- High motor is prevalent when pursuing the ball carrier.
- Brings an unmatched level of intensity to the field that makes players around him better.
Weaknesses:
- Turns 25 years old during the first week of April. He will be a much older rookie compared to his peers.
- Has issues keeping his base shoulder-width apart when engaging with offensive linemen. This leads to him being knocked off his feet.
- Struggles to convert speed to power in a way that sets a hard edge.
- Shorter arm length will hurt his ability to drive offensive tackles back into the quarterback.
- Has a tendency to take himself out of the play at times due to his inability to stay disciplined.
Does Mesidor fit the Bears defense?
Projecting Mesidor's fit in the Bears defense in interesting. While his pursuit ability, experience, and high motor are all traits the Bears should covet, his shorter arms make him a liability. Add in the fact that he will be 25 years old next month, and there's a chance the Bears could decide not to draft him at all. He still has all the tools needed to be a solid edge rusher at the next level but seeing him be a significant upgrade over Booker or Sweat, especially as a first or second-round pick, is a clear long shot during his rookie season.
Conclusion:
Overall, while Mesidor's experience and versatility will allow teams to get creative because of his skillset, his ceiling is likely one that sees him develop into a true number two pass rusher throughout his career, rather than the primary option to get after opposing quarterbacks for a team.
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