In a social media clip from The Rush podcast that circulated this week, Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby called Akheem Mesidor his "wildcard" for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Crosby is back with Las Vegas after a trade to Baltimore fell through. He is coming off another Pro Bowl season after leading Las Vegas with 10 sacks and 28 tackles for loss in 2025.
Raiders superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby says Miami DE Akheem Mesidor is his wildcard for the NFL Draft: pic.twitter.com/2kfJVSMSDo
— CanesMuse (@canes_muse) April 9, 2026
Maxx Crosby calls Akheem Mesidor his "wildcard" for 2026 NFL Draft
Crosby's stamp of approval is a positive sign for Miami fans rooting for Mesidor as he transitions to the NFL.
Mesidor finished 2025 with 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. He also turned it up in the playoff, posting 5.5 sacks and 17 tackles during Miami's College Football Playoff run. When opposing teams would focus in on Rueben Bain, Mesidor would make them pay. Texas A&M, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Indiana all had very talented offensive linemen, so Mesidor's play in the CFP should be a comforting indication that he can play at the next level.
Mesidor turned 25 this month, and while he carries a first-round grade, there is still some concern about his potential. A lot of scouts, members of the media, and those in the football world have continued to point out the fact that he will be an older rookie. It still doesn't change the fact that he was very productive in college during the playoff run.
Mesidor played his first two college seasons at West Virginia and produced 70 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks there before transferring to Miami. He then played four seasons in Coral Gables.
The draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh and Mesidor is projected to go in the first 1-2 rounds.
Akheem Mesidor's college accolades
- Second-team All-American
- First-team All-ACC
- Second-team All-Big 12
- Third-team All-Big 12