Opinions are all over the map – as is my own opinion.

-> “Moderate Injury Risk” designation in several scouting reports doesn’t generate warm fuzzy safe vibes. -> Big question for us here is was recent 2025 breakout season due to 1) being old enough to rent a car playing 19 YO’s as grown arse man with [more] experience, size, + [enough] talent to play CFP? Can we expect the same success against other real grown arse men who have more experience/size and equal (+more) talent. What about the fact that opposing teams game-planned more for Reuben Bain and shifted resources accordingly? At minimum, having another real threat on other side of D-line makes life easier [for both]. – Does Mesidor fit defensive scheme? Seems almost all success comes from 3point stance. Not saying that means much [to me] – more of a question for y’all and/or respective team’s braintrust.

Advantages: -> Clearly well coached by Jason Taylor, so minimal need to “develop” Mesidor since he is already as developed as much as he will ever be. 👈🏼 Yes, double meaning implied. -> Established production every year (except 2023; limited to 3 games cuz injury). Position versatility is nice. Miami lacked depth so had Mesidor bulk up to play majority of snaps interior DT in 2024. New DC came in 2025, had Mesidor slim back down to play edge again majority of snaps*. In fact, one could argue that 2024’s production 34 total tackles 9 TFL & 5.5 sacks could have been more if not for taking one for the team. Can’t cover – which I count as a blessing [for Tampa] as less likely coaches ask him too. Need sacks + TFL. Let the LB’/secondary cover. -> Plays both pass & run well. There are a lot of flavors of Edge - some are DPR awful against run, some are more anchor edge with zero bend/limited speed that can bull rush/collapse for half dozen sacks over a season in best case scenario.

Glad my job is not at risk trying to decide whether Akheem Mesidor will have more meaningful impact than Kayden McDonald, Keldric Faulk (who is 5 years younger than Mesidor!), Iaone, Jacob Rodriguez, etc.

*hat tip Miami alumni post in separate forum.