After losing EDGE rusher Odafe Oweh in free agency, who signed a four-year, $100 million deal with the Washington Commanders, the Los Angeles Chargers drafted his replacement.
The Bolts selected Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft to add immediate help off the edge.
The Chargers’ offensive line is getting its first look at the new addition to the defensive front. Right tackle Joe Alt spoke to reporters and revealed what he has seen from his rookie teammate.
Joe Alt Shares Positive Words for Akheem Mesidor
GettyAkheem Mesidor gets praised from his Pro Bowl teammate
Odafe Oweh recorded 7.5 sacks in 12 games for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2025 season after being traded by the Baltimore Ravens. But after signing elsewhere in free agency, the Bolts need some help off the EDGE.
Akheem Mesidor is coming off a 12.5-sack season in his final collegiate year and could provide the help the Bolts are looking for.
Tackle Joe Alt has gone up against the rookie and praised the player during camp. When speaking to reporters, Alt said he believes the former Miami Hurricane will be an elite player in the league.
“He works extremely hard,” Alt said. He’s going to give a lot of challenges [to offensive lines]. And I think a guy like that being able to go against early, especially because [he’s] a guy that you don’t have a ton of tape on, you’re not really [going to] be able to go out there and study him a ton before you see him.”
“It’s a fresh defender to go against. We’re both talking, we’re both learning and going through it and being able to just grow. Grow through reps and being able to get better… I think it’s going to get more intense from here.”
Alt credited Mesidor’s work ethic as a reason why he believes the EDGE rusher will become an elite player, saying that he is getting better by the day. The tackle also noted that the pass rusher is trying to better himself on and off the field.
LA continues training camp and giving Akheem Mesidor more reps to get up to speed in the NFL. With
Joe Alt on Returning to Practice
GettyThe tackle suffered a high right ankle sprain that required surgery
The Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line was among the worst in the 2025 season, but injuries to Pro Bowl offensive tackles affected the performance.
Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater both suffered season-ending injuries, leading Justin Herbert to be sacked 54 times in the 2025 season. With both players returning, that number will be reduced.
Now on the practice field at full capacity, the tackle shares his thoughts on being back.
“I feel great,” Alt said when asked about being back in pads. “It’s always fun to get the pads back on. Especially for me, coming off injury, being able to get to that step. Being able to do that is awesome and [I] felt good out there.”
Despite playing just six games last season, Joe Alt still earned a Pro Bowl nod, highlighting his talent in the league and how much of a piece he is for the Chargers’ offense.
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