Not only were the 2025-26 Miami Hurricanes so well coached, but they also had stars galore where it mattered the most. Where Miami was the strongest last season was in the trenches, especially along the defensive line. When looking at who could be going in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Miami, two players have asserted themselves as total locks in Rueben Bain Jr. and Francis Mauigoa.
As for the third player, that remains to be seen... At this time, Bain's fellow pass-rushing battery mate in Akheem Mesidor appears to be the likely candidate. While NFL Mock Draft Database has him at No. 31 overall on its big board, he is well ahead of that mark for ESPN. Jordan Reid has Mesidor firmly inside of the top 32 as his No. 18 overall prospect. People love his production over Mesidor's age...
We are looking at a player who has made a steady, but noticeable climb up consensus big board rankings. Back in October, he was a day-three pick. From November on, he has gone from a top-75 pick, to one potentially going top 32. This is because he plays a premium position of edge rusher. As long as he goes to the right team, Mesidor could have so much success right away at the next level.
Let's take a look at what teams could be in the market to draft Mesidor in the first round this spring...
Akheem Mesidor might be approaching lock territory as a first-rounder
Over the last few weeks, Mesidor has regularly been appearing inside the top 32 of many NFL mock drafts. About the earliest he is coming off the board these days would be No. 15 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is probably more likely than not to come off the board a few picks later to the Detroit Lions at No. 17 or the Carolina Panthers at No. 19. But with a bit of variance, he may be around longer.
NFL Mock Draft Database's consensus mock draft has him going No. 27 overall to the San Francisco 49ers. That is a team that regularly gets after the passer with such tremendous conviction. So in reality, we are looking a 10-to-13 draft-spot range for Mesidor between going as early as No. 15, but as late as No. 28 to the Houston Texans. Simply put, Mesidor is likely going to a playoff team in 2026.
To be quite frank, that actually works out better for Mesidor. He thrives in that role. When it comes to his former Miami teammates of Bain and Mauigoa, they are slated to be draft inside the top-12 as franchise cornerstones. They are being picked to be major difference-makers, whereas Mesidor is coming in as a high-end complementary piece. This is why him going in the first round is so likely now.
Whoever ends up drafting Mesidor will be getting a 25-year-old who is ready to make a huge impact.