The Detroit Lions may have missed the playoffs last season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t target a plug-and-play defender in the 2026 NFL Draft. One of Detroit’s biggest offseason priorities is finding an edge rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson, and a new projection suggests the Lions could find that solution in Round 1.

CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell recently projected the Lions to select Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor with the No. 17 overall pick in his latest 2026 mock draft.

> “The Lions need an edge rusher who can come in on the cheap and immediately contribute opposite Aidan Hutchinson,” Podell wrote. “Mesidor can check those boxes.”



Mesidor ranked among college football’s elite in 2025, finishing:

Tied for third in sacks (12.5)

Tied for fifth in tackles for loss (17.5)

Tied for fourth in quarterback pressures (67)


Podell praised Mesidor’s combination of size, technique, and relentless motor, noting his ability to defeat blockers with both power and speed while remaining stout against the run.


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Akheem Mesidor’s College Production

Mesidor led the ACC with 12.5 sacks in 2025 and added:

17.5 tackles for loss

4 forced fumbles in 15 games


Across 65 career college games, Mesidor recorded:

208 total tackles

52.5 tackles for loss

35.5 sacks


During the 2025 College Football Playoff, he further boosted his draft stock with 5.5 sacks in four games.


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Why Mesidor Fits Perfectly Opposite Aidan Hutchinson

Mesidor is expected to be the second Miami edge rusher drafted, with teammate Rueben Bain Jr. projected as a top-10 pick. Podell has Bain going to the New Orleans Saints at No. 8 overall.

While some prospects experience a drop-off when separated from star teammates, Mesidor would benefit from playing alongside Hutchinson in Detroit.

Hutchinson posted career-best numbers in 2025:

14.5 sacks

14 tackles for loss

35 quarterback hits

4 forced fumbles

3 pass breakups

1 interception


With Hutchinson commanding double teams, Mesidor would likely see favorable one-on-one matchups, allowing him to transition smoothly into an NFL role.


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Why Mesidor’s Age Shouldn’t Worry the Lions

Mesidor will turn 25 years old during his rookie season, which is older than most first-round prospects. However, for a Lions team aiming for an immediate playoff return, age could actually be an advantage.

A more mature, physically developed prospect could be better prepared to contribute right away.

Mesidor began his college career at West Virginia, where he totaled:

14.5 tackles for loss

9.5 sacks in two seasons


He then transferred to Miami, where he recorded two double-digit sack seasons (2022, 2025) over four years with the Hurricanes.


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Lions’ Draft Focus: Finding Hutchinson’s Long-Term Partner

Detroit’s defense struggled to consistently generate pressure outside of Hutchinson in 2025. Drafting Mesidor would give the Lions a cost-controlled pass rusher with proven production and playoff experience.

If the Lions follow Podell’s projection, they could secure an immediate defensive upgrade and finally solidify their edge rush heading into the 2026 season.