As both executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and head coach Mike Vrabel said at the NFL Combine, the edge position is one of the biggest needs for the New England Patriots.
Even after signing Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year deal on the first day of free agency, that remains true. Jones is expected to start opposite of Harold Landry, but the veteran’s ability after an injury plagued season is TBD as he continues his rehab process. And after losing K’Lavon Chaisson and Anfernee Jennings in free agency, just second-year players Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson remain as top secondary options on the depth chart.
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That being said, the Patriots adding to the group early in the NFL Draft seems like a foregone conclusion based on the offseason so far. And if they do, Miami’s Akheem Mesidor may be under consideration.
Hard facts
Name: Akheem Mesidor
Position: Edge rusher
School: Miami (RS Sr.)
Opening day age: 25 (4/5/2001)
Measurements: 6’3”, 259 lbs, 32 1/8” arm length, 78 3/4” wingspan, 10” hand size, N/A Relative Athletic Score
Experience
College: University of West Virginia (2020-21), University of Miami (2022-25)
Career statistics: 64 games (53 starts) | 2,6,38 defensive snaps, 248 special teams snaps | 208 total tackles, 52.5 TFLs, 5 FFs | 167 quarterback pressures (35.5 sacks, 16 hits, 115 hurries) | 6 penalties
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Accolades: Second-team All-American (2025), First-team All-ACC (2025), Second-team All-Big 12 (2020), Third-team All-Big 12 (2021)
Growing up in Ottawa, Canada, Mesidor began playing football in the National Capital Amateur Football Association before attending multiple different schools to enhance his football development. As a three-star recruit, he eventually committed to West Virginia to begin his collegiate career.
Mesidor made an immediate impact for the Mountaineers being named second-team All-Big 12 in his true freshman season. After earning third-team honors the following season playing along the interior, Mesidor entered the transfer portal and enrolled at the University of Miami.
A strong first season in Miami saw the pass rusher record 10.5 TFL and 7.0 sacks, but he could not build off his success as a lingering foot injury limited him to just three games the next season. In 2024, Mesidor split time rushing inside and out and rebounded from his injury plagued season. That set the stage for a 2025 breakout as a sixth-year senior along the edge, where Mesidor, who set career-highs with 17.5 TFL and 12.5 sacks, was a First-Team All-ACC member and a team captain while helping the Hurricanes reach the National Championship.
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Draft profile
Projected round: 1-2 | Consensus big board: No. 19 | Patriots meeting: Combine
Strengths: Mesidor is coming off an extremely productive season in which he tallied 67 pressures, 12.5 sacks and an impressive 21% pass rush win rate. He regularly times up snaps to win off the line of scrimmage and has an deep tool box of pass rush moves — highlighted by excellent hand usage and plenty of successful inside counters. His experience playing along the interior and lateral quickness also make him a mismatch when kicked inside.
A physical defender in the run game, Mesidor also was asked to drop into coverage a fair amount last season for the Hurricanes. He plays with an extremely high motor and delivers some violent blows which made him a favorite of the Miami coaching staff (team captain last season).
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Weaknesses: The age and injury history are the biggest red flags in Mesidor’s profile, as he recently turned 25 years old and battled injuries throughout his collegiate career. That included a foot injury he played through in 2022 before needing season-ending surgery in 2023. He then suffered a similar injury to his left foot (torn ligaments) that also required surgery. Mesidor also underwent a shoulder surgery before transferring to Miami, but missed just one game over the last two seasons.
On the field, Mesidor’s 10th percentile arm length shows while he has just average bend to turn the corner. He was also a more effective rusher from over the interior compared to the edge.
Patriots preview
What would be his role? Due to his experience and play-style, Mesidor will be a ready-made starter as a rookie. He would be able to join a rotation with Harold Landry and Dre’Mont Jones in New England playing in any situation.
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Does he have positional versatility? As discussed, the 259-pound Mesidor has the experience and ability to rush all over the line of scrimmage. His main position will be along the edge, but his quickness allows him to beat interior lineman which should continue at the next level.
What is his growth potential? Already 25 years old before even being drafted and with an average athletic profile, Mesidor’s ceiling will likely be capped at the next level. If the medicals check out he will still be a productive, three-down pass rusher, but would be 30 years old at the time of his second contract.
Why the Patriots? The Patriots have plenty of connections in their front office to the University of Miami and pass rusher remains the biggest need on the roster. That makes Mesidor an obvious connection, while his ability to step and and contribute out of the gate would also be a plus for a team picking 31st coming off a Super Bowl appearance.
Why not the Patriots? Mesidor’s age and injury history are serious red flags to invest a first-round pick into. In fact, there has not been a 25-year-old first-round draft pick since 2018. The Patriots could look to someone younger and with more upside in this edge class.
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One-sentence verdict: A physical and productive player up front, Mesidor’s age and injury history should give teams concerns in round one.
For more information about Akheem Mesidor and the rest of this year’s class of prospects, please take a look at Adam’s 2026 NFL Draft Guide.
Also, what do you think about Mesidor as a potential Patriots target? Do you like him? Where would you pick him? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.
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