Summary:
- Akheem Mesidor has been selected 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Chargers.
- Mesidor becomes the first Canadian defensive player drafted in the first NFL round.
- The 25-year-old had a strong 2025 season at Miami with 12.5 sacks and 63 tackles.
The Los Angeles Chargers made a notable selection on Thursday night, choosing Canadian defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The Ottawa-born has, this way, turned into the sixth Canadian to be taken in the first round. However, more notably, he is now the first defensive player from Canada to reach that milestone.
His selection also extends a consistent trend, with at least one Canadian-born player having been drafted into the NFL every year since 2011, reflecting the steady development of talent north of the border.
Mesidor had an impressive college career. Most recently, he played for the Miami Hurricanes, starting all 15 games during the 2025 season and recording 63 total tackles, including 36 solo efforts.
He also had 17.5 tackles for loss and added 12.5 sacks and forced four fumbles, further proving his ability to disrupt offenses in multiple ways.
His performance also earned him first-team All-ACC honors while strengthening his place among the top defensive prospects in this year’s draft class, so he’s definitely worth keeping an eye on next time you head online to wager on your favorite sport.
Strong Performance in National Championship Game
Mesidor closed out his college career on a big stage, playing in the national championship game. Although Miami fell short in a 27-21 loss to Indiana, he still delivered a strong performance, finishing with three tackles and two sacks.
Before transferring to Miami, Mesidor spent two seasons at West Virginia Mountaineers, where he also made an impact early in his career. Across his full college run, he started 52 of 65 games and totaled 205 tackles, including 50.5 for loss, along with 33.5 sacks.
At six-foot-three and 265 pounds, Mesidor brings both size and athleticism to the Chargers’ defensive line. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and make plays behind the line of scrimmage was a key factor in his rise up draft boards.
For the Chargers, the pick adds depth and potential to their defense while, for Canadian football, it is another step forward, with Mesidor’s selection standing out as a milestone moment.
