The may have missed the playoffs last season, but the franchise is already being linked to a major defensive upgrade in the 2026 NFL Draft. According to a new mock draft projection, Detroit could land a plug-and-play edge rusher to pair with star pass rusher .

CBS Sports analyst Garrett Podell projects the Lions to select Miami edge rusher with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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Why the Lions Need an Edge Rusher in the 2026 Draft

Detroit’s defense is built around Hutchinson, who recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks last season. However, the Lions still need a consistent pass-rushing threat on the opposite side to prevent offenses from focusing all their attention on Hutchinson.

Podell believes Mesidor fits that role perfectly.

“The Lions need an edge rusher who can come in on the cheap and immediately contribute opposite Aidan Hutchinson,” Podell wrote.
“Mesidor has the ideal build, pass-rush technique and motor. The power and handwork never stop, and he does a great job freeing himself from offensive tackles. He can also win with speed rushing inside against guards.”

Mesidor’s physical tools and refined technique make him a strong candidate to produce early in his NFL career.

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Akheem Mesidor’s College Production

Mesidor put together one of the most productive seasons in college football during 2025 with Miami:

• 12.5 sacks (led the ACC)
• 17.5 tackles for loss
• 4 forced fumbles
• 67 quarterback pressures

Over his full college career (65 games), Mesidor totaled:

• 208 tackles
• 52.5 tackles for loss
• 35.5 sacks

During the 2025 College Football Playoff run, Mesidor boosted his draft stock with 5.5 sacks in four postseason games.

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Ideal Fit Opposite Aidan Hutchinson

Mesidor benefited from playing alongside elite talent at Miami, including projected top-10 pick , who Podell has going No. 8 overall to the .

In Detroit, Mesidor would again avoid being the focal point of the pass rush thanks to Hutchinson’s presence. That could allow him to:

• Face more single-block assignments
• Use his power and wingspan effectively in the run game
• Generate consistent pressure without double teams

Hutchinson finished last season with:

• 14.5 sacks
• 14 tackles for loss
• 35 QB hits
• 4 forced fumbles

Pairing him with Mesidor could give the Lions one of the most dangerous edge duos in the NFC.

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Why Mesidor’s Age Shouldn’t Scare Detroit

Mesidor will turn 25 as a rookie, which is older than most first-round prospects. However, that may actually benefit a Lions team looking to contend quickly.

Rather than viewing age as a negative, Detroit could see Mesidor as:

• More physically mature
• Technically refined
• Ready for immediate NFL snaps

Mesidor began his college career at , where he recorded 9.5 sacks in two seasons before transferring to . At Miami, he reached double-digit sacks twice (2022 and 2025).

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Final Outlook

If the Lions select Akheem Mesidor at No. 17 overall, they would be adding an experienced, high-motor edge rusher who can immediately help support Aidan Hutchinson. With Detroit aiming for a quick return to playoff contention, Mesidor projects as a strong first-round fit who addresses one of the team’s most important defensive needs.