Trey Hendrickson and Josh Johnson
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The Baltimore Ravens can fix a Trey Hendrickson problem by selecting a "poster boy" edge-rusher in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
The Baltimore Ravens didn’t get to partner Trey Hendrickson with another bluechip, veteran edge-rusher, thanks to the drama surrounding Maxx Crosby’s infamous medical, but general manager Eric DeCosta can solve the problem of finding a bookend pass-rusher by selecting a 2026 NFL draft “poster boy” who knows how to “play like a Raven.”
It’s University of Miami outside linebacker Akheem Mesidor who fits the bill, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Zrebiec pointed out Ravens “officials maintain that they still want to add another edge rusher after signing Trey Hendrickson, and Mesidor might be the poster boy in this draft for guys who ‘play like a Raven.'”
In this case, playing “like a Raven” is summed up by Mesidor being “a relentless pass rusher with a diverse plan to get after the quarterback, and he’s also a very willing and physical edge setter. The Ravens put a high value on college production in evaluating pass rushers, and few in this class were as productive as Mesidor.”
Taking an edge defender who logged 12.5 sacks during his final season with the Hurricanes makes sense for DeCosta. Selecting Mesidor would double down on the strategy to finally bolster a weak pass rush with marquee talent, a plan disrupted by the ill-fated trade for Crosby, but ultimately rescued when four-time Pro Bowler Hendrickson was added from an AFC North rival in free agency.
Trey Hendrickson Still Needs Help
Former Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro Hendrickson hasn’t been shy about expressing his belief he was going to partner with Crosby in Baltimore. These admissions speak to the Ravens still needing to provide help for the 31-year-old who immediately becomes their primary pass-rusher.
New head coach Jesse Minter knows all about what makes Hendrickson great, but Minter will also know the value of a true tandem putting heat on the pocket. It’s how he built his unit as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers last season, by routinely turning Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh loose off the edges.
The Ravens don’t have the second half of a credible double act for Hendrickson. Not even if DeCosta retains faith in last season’s second-round draft pick Mike Green.
If not, the Ravens would need a leap of faith to justify using first-round draft capital to take Mesidor off the board.
Akheem Mesidor a Logical Draft Fit for Ravens
Mesidor is entering this draft off the back of a banner campaign, so the Ravens could trust they’d be getting a skilled quarterback hunter. A pressure specialist who has the right pedigree after being coached by Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor.
He’s learned his craft well, but there are still concerns about Mesidor, mostly related to his age. The soon-to-be 25-year-old is on the senior side for a rookie, as well as being on the short(ish) side for a rush end at 6-foot-2.
Mesidor also benefited from the attention teams paid to fellow Miami stud edge-rusher Rueben Bain Jr. The latter is also a popular fit for the Ravens in mock drafts, and his partnership with Mesidor can at least offer a blueprint for the Hendrickson-led tandem DeCosta still wants to create.
There are factors tha could make Mesidor a reach with the 14th-overall pick, but he’s a natural technician who can win with his hands and unleash impressive closing speed around the corner.
Add in being able to play on either side of the line, and Mesidor rates as an ideal potential partner for Hendrickson, the way he was for Bain.