Akheem Mesidor has wasted no time getting to work with the Los Angeles Chargers, hitting the field in El Segundo for rookie minicamp. The first-round pick has been making sure he is prepared. This involved working with outside linebackers coach Dylan Roney even before arriving.
Early Playbook Study
Mesidor said he had been meeting with Roney on Zoom three times before arriving. The aim was to dive into the playbook and get a step ahead. The team opened rookie minicamp at The Bolt, with Mesidor participating in drills on Day 1.
Mesidor explained he has been meeting with Roney since becoming the Chargers first-round pick. He wants to be as prepared as possible for the coming weeks and months. He said he tries to meet with Roney as much as he can, within the rules. The Zoom sessions are about an hour long. Mesidor wants to be comfortable on the field and know what he is doing without having to think too much.
His first day on the field was a welcome sight. Mesidor described the last couple of weeks since being drafted as weird and inconsistent. He said he has been trying to find a work schedule and maintain a routine. The traveling has made things all over the place, but he is happy to be back in a program where he can do his thing every day.
Coach’s High Praise
Chargers Defensive Coordinator Chris O’Leary had high praise for Mesidor’s approach. O’Leary is excited about the newest addition to his defense and his mentality.
O’Leary described Mesidor as mature, professional, and a technician on the field. O’Leary said that when you listen to him talk about pass rush, you can tell he loves the game and has a high football IQ. He also said Mesidor is into building his craft and treating his pass rush like a craft.
O’Leary sees a guy who will walk in, compete with everybody, and is already approaching the game as a pro mentally.
Exceptional Pass Rusher
The thing that stood out the most for O’Leary was how Mesidor gets to the quarterback. He reached an ACC-leading 12.5 sacks last season. O’Leary looks forward to helping him build on that in the NFL.
O’Leary highlighted Mesidor’s pass rush technique. He mentioned how he uses his hands, the leverage he plays with, how he attacks different tackles in different ways, his timing, and his get-off. O’Leary sees him as an exceptional pass rusher. The team will try to continue to develop that and other areas of his game.
Mesidor’s initial thoughts are focused on solidifying his routine and contributing to the team.