Bucky Brooks gives Chargers a tried-and-true pass rusher in new ‘26 mock

Following the Ravens hiring former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to be their next head coach, the chances of the Chargers re-signing edge rusher Odafe Oweh took a big hit. Despite Oweh telling reporters after the season that he hoped to stay in L.A., it’s hard not to think the Ravens won’t make a push to bring back their former player after the standout year he had.

There now is a worst-case scenario where veteran Khalil Mack chooses to retire or play elsewhere in hopes of chasing a Super Bowl trophy one last time, coupled with Oweh not returning to the Bolts. This means the defense could be down two of their top pass rushers from this past season, leaving them with Tuli Tuipulotu, an aging Bud Dupree, and 2024 fourth-rounder Kyle Kennard as their top three.

That’s not a great place to be with other big needs topping the offseason to-do list, but it’s nonetheless a reality.

It’s with all of this in mind that NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks has the Chargers selecting Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd-overall pick in his Mock Draft 1.0.

“The energetic pass rusher would make the perfect replacement for Khalil Mack, who is staring at both free agency and potential retirement. As a power rusher with outstanding instincts, Mesidor would complement Pro Bowler Tuli Tuipulotu on the edges.“

The biggest downside to Mesidor is going to be his age. He turns 25 in early April and will be halfway to 26 by the time he plays his first snap in the NFL. This also means he will be dang near 30 when his rookie contract is up. Is that worth a first-round pick? I honestly do not think so. A player like him on day two? Sure thing. The premium position he plays still means something, but the age 30 threshold will be here (if you subscribe to that line of thought with NFL players) early in just his second contract. That’s not good for him personally (it will limit how long the deal is) and won’t be good for teams (who may be risking too much on a player already at this stage of his career).

But what do you all think? Would you select Mesidor in the first round? Yay or nay? Let us know all of your thoughts below!