Another Loud Drumbeat For Akheem Mesidor
April 22nd, 2026
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
Joe is getting excited.
The smell of premium edge rush talent seems to be coming ashore via a stiff southern breeze.
NFL super insider Peter Schrager of ESPN, a guy who mocked the Bucs drafting a receiver last year, has issued his final of two 2026 mock drafts.
After mocking the Bucs going cornerback in Round 1 two weeks ago, Schrager fielded feedback from across the NFL’s inner circles and now mocks University of Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor to the Bucs today.
Yes, he’s 25 years old. Yes, he has an injury history. But Mesidor produces in a massive way (12.5 sacks last season) and is at his best in the biggest games. I loved watching him in the College Football Playoff. Mesidor would immediately upgrade Tampa Bay’s defense after that unit allowed 5.7 yards per play in 2025 (25th).
Remember, Schrager is tight with the power hitters at One Buc Palace. He even once lived with current Bucs assistant general manager Mike Greenberg.
The Joe typing here sees the crater on the Tampa Bay roster when it comes to talent at the edge rush position. The Bucs simply do not have enough at one of the game’s most important positions. That must change immediately.
And even if one thinks the talent is OK, the odds of Al-Quadin Muhammad and Anthony Nelson being on the roster next season are awfully flimsy.