LOS ANGELES -- The NFL draft represents franchise-altering opportunities for all 32 teams, but this year's was particularly valuable for this era of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Led by general manager Joe Hortiz, the organization doesn't believe in significant spending on outside players in NFL free agency, making the draft paramount.
Over the past three years, Hortiz's drafts have been productive with players becoming contributors as early as their rookie seasons, including cornerback Tarheeb Still (2024 fifth round), tight end Oronde Gadsden (2025 fifth round), running back Kimani Vidal (2024 sixth round) and wide receiver Ladd McConkey (2024 second round).
In the 2026 draft, the Chargers made eight picks, Hortiz's smallest class since he was hired in L.A. in 2024. And this draft class is also perhaps the one with the most questions:
Should first-rounder Akheem Mesidor's age make fans nervous?
Mesidor, the Chargers' pick at No. 22 and an edge rusher from the University of Miami, played six seasons of college football and turned 25 in April.
Mesidor represents the shifting college landscape. NIL money -- and the COVID pandemic which allotted players an extra season -- is why more top prospects like Mesidor are entering the NFL at an older age.
Mesidor is older than Chargers outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, who is 23 and has already played three seasons, and older than last year's fourth-round outside linebacker Kyle Kennard, who is 24.
"Age is what it is, but he's experienced," Hortiz said. "You just watched the film, and he's a great player that can help us. And age is just a number."
Coach Jim Harbaugh said: "The ceiling's already high. He's already hit.... So he's a man. He's ready to roll."
Mesidor has inside-out rushing ability, power, speed and a variance of rush moves. He had an ACC-best 12.5 sacks in 2025, giving the Chargers a player who is ready to contribute now and a replacement for OLB Odafe Oweh, who left in free agency.
The concern with Mesidor's age is how long he will be an effective player, but Hortiz pointed to Khalil Mack, who is 35 and still productive, as evidence Mesidor could be around for a while.
"When you take young players with older players, you look at the long term," Hortiz said. "Like, 'Hey, second contract, third contract.' Well, I mean, we got a guy who's... 35. Still kicking ass."