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CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell slotted edge rusher Akheem Mesidor to the Detroit Lions at No. 17 overall in his new 2026 NFL mock draft.
The Detroit Lions didn’t make the playoffs this past season, but that doesn’t mean the team couldn’t use a plug-and-play defensive prospect. In a perfect world, that immediate upgrade will come for the Lions at edge rusher opposite second-team All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson.
CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell predicted this week the Lions will find that immediate edge rushing upgrade in the draft. Podell projected Detroit to select Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor at No. 17 overall in his latest 2026 NFL mock draft.
“The Lions need an edge rusher who can come in on the cheap and immediately contribute opposite Aidan Hutchinson,” Podell wrote. “Mesidor, who will turn 25 years old this year, can check those boxes. He ranked among college football’s top five nationally in sacks (12.5, tied for third in the FBS), tackles for loss (17.5, tied for fifth in the FBS) and quarterback pressures (67, tied for fourth in the FBS) in 2025 opposite the aforementioned Bain at Miami.
“Mesidor has the ideal build, pass-rush technique and motor. The power and handwork never stop, and he does a great job freeing himself from offensive tackles. He can also win with speed rushing inside against guards.
“Mesidor’s wingspan and power allow him to anchor down on the edge in the run game. That’s what the Lions need.”
Mesidor led the ACC with 12.5 sacks last season. He also had 17.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles in 15 games.
Across 65 contests in his college career, Mesidor registered 208 combined tackles, including 52.5 for loss and 35.5 sacks.
How Akheem Mesidor is Ideal Fit Opposite Aidan Hutchinson
In all likelihood, Mesidor will be the second Miami defensive lineman/edge rusher off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft. Pundits expect Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. to be a top 10 pick.
Podell had Bain going to the New Orleans Saints at No. 8 overall in his new mock draft.
Usually, it might not be ideal to land the second-best prospect at a loaded college position group. There’s a danger that the second-best prospect will see a drop off in his play due to him no longer playing with the other more highly regarded prospect.
But with the Lions, Mesidor would step into an NFL situation where he’s not the focal point of his team’s pass rush. In Detroit, that’s Hutchinson, who had a career-best 14.5 sacks last season.
Hutchinson also had 14 tackles for loss, 35 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, three pass defenses and one interception in 17 games during 2025.
With the Lions, Mesidor could continue drawing single blocking assignments.
Why Mesidor’s Age Shouldn’t Be a Factor for Lions
Another concern with Mesidor’s draft stock is his age. He will turn 25 years old this year, which is on the older side for an NFL rookie.
But with the Lions wanting to immediately get back to the playoffs next season, age shouldn’t be a major concern for the organization. If anything, it could be a good thing. Mesidor could be a more mature, polished prospect than other potential mid-first round picks.
Mesidor began his college career at West Virginia. In two seasons with the Mountaineers, he had 14.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
Mesidor then played four seasons at Miami. With the Hurricanes, he reached double-digit sacks twice — 2022 and 2025.
During the 2025 College Football Playoffs, Mesidor raised his draft stock with 5.5 sacks in four postseason contests.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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