As a 29 year old, it pains me to say that Akheem Mesidor is being written off as a top edge prospect due to what his age would be at the start of the 2026 season - 25.
But, that's just how the cookie is crumbling for Mesidor, who just pieced together an excellent year with the Miami Hurricanes to the tune of 12.5 sacks, 38 solo tackles, and four forced fumbles. The defender is facing stiff competition in the edge class this year, having to standout in a room headlined by Arvell Reese, his Miami teammate Rueben Bain Jr., David Bailey, and others.
Due to his age, he'd be hitting 25 in his rookie season when Aidan Hutchinson would be entering his fifth season at just one year older than that. It's a bit of a risk, considering that he'd be 29 years old at the end of a rookie deal and likely at, or declining from, his peak as a defender.
But, that doesn't mean he's not worth a swing. And, he's basically the perfect high-upside, high-risk "project" pick for Brad Holmes.
Mesidor shouldn't be counted out for Lions at 17th overall
Mesidor would immediately add to the versatility of the Lions' run defense, as he has experience as a tackle-edge lineman. It's only been in his most recent football season that he slimmed down and began to play as more of a pure edge rusher rather than a combination of the two. He saw, as a result, some incredible results on the field.
Detroit might lose out on quite a few "NFL-ready" edge rushers in this year's draft simply because they're almost dead in the middle of the pack within the first round.
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Bain, Reese, Bailey, and others that have come before Mesidor on big boards consistently are probably going to be gone, so Detroit would be left with a huge decision on whether Mesidor is worth taking so early, or if they should invest in a tackle there, instead.
Mesidor also isn't such a negative asset in the eyes of front offices to the point where he could fall to 50. Detroit would have to decide right in the first round whether he's worth the swing, and whether they'd then be okay with taking a bit more of a project at tackle at 50th overall.
Being 25 in your rookie season shouldn't be that big of a hit on his stock, but it will be. It's a huge injury risk to assume your rookie can survive their entire deal without getting more nicked up than the average bear as a result of their age, and Mesidor already has a foot injury history. But, his run-defense and tenacity as a pass rusher should really be piquing Holmes' interest.
Now, excuse me while this 29 year old continues to strain their back by simply sleeping incorrectly.