Photo courtesy: Logan Bowles/NFL.
The Los Angeles Chargers have selected Canadian defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The native of Ottawa, Ont., becomes just the seventh Canadian citizen ever to be selected in the first round. He is the highest pick from north of the border since Tim Biakabutuka was taken eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in 1996.
The Chargers currently have two other Canadians on their roster: defensive back Deane Leonard and tight end Tanner McLachlan. The team went 11-6 last season, their second under head coach Jim Harbaugh, losing in the AFC Wild Card playoffs to the New England Patriots.
Mesidor had a brilliant season with the University of Miami in 2025, earning a first-team All-ACC selection and second-team All-American honours while helping the Hurricanes reach the CFP National Championship Game. He recorded 63 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles over 15 games.
The six-foot-three, 265-pound defender played six total collegiate seasons, previously earning two All-Big 12 selections and Freshman All-American honours with West Virginia University. He was an All-ACC honourable mention in 2022 and 2024 after transferring to Miami. Over 65 collegiate games, Mesidor made 208 total tackles, 52.5 tackles for loss, 35.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four pass knockdowns.
Mesidor began playing football for the North Gloucester Giants and attended several local area high schools before transferring to Royal Imperial Collegiate of Canada in St. Catharines, and finally at Clearwater Academy International in Florida. He was a consensus three-star recruit.
The 25-year-old attended the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine this offseason, but did not partake in any testing. He is the top-ranked prospect in the 2026 CFL Draft, but is not expected to be selected until the final rounds, if at all, due to the quality of his NFL opportunity.
The 2026 NFL Draft will run through Saturday, April 25, in Pittsburgh, Penn. At least two other Canadians have a chance to be selected, with several others expected to sign contracts as undrafted free agents after the fact.
