10
Loading video...
By Anne Erickson
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Akheem Mesidor is making an early case for why the Los Angeles Chargers used a first-round pick on him.
The rookie edge rusher was one of the biggest standouts at Sunday's practice, per multiple reports, putting together several impressive reps as the young pass rushers got their chance to shine.
His best work came during the one-on-one trench drills. Mesidor opened his day by using a wild spin move to get around right tackle Joe Alt, producing one of the cleanest wins of training camp so far. He wasn't finished there, either.
Read More on NFL
He later pulled off a similar move against Logan Taylor before showing a different side of his game against Travis Burke, using his speed to get around the edge. That's a good variety of ways to win for a rookie.
More sports: Lions’ Jackson Meeks Getting Respect at Training Camp
...
Mesidor also got involved during full-team work, teaming up with Justin Eboigbe to split a sack. It was another indication that the first-round pick is already finding ways to create pressure and make himself noticeable.
What's particularly encouraging is that this wasn't simply one strong practice. Mesidor has reportedly been doing well throughout camp, continuing to show the same traits that impressed the Chargers early in the process. That's exactly what you want to see from a young pass rusher as he gets more comfortable with the speed and physicality of the NFL.
There's obviously still plenty for Mesidor to learn. Winning one-on-one reps in August won't automatically translate into consistent production once the regular season begins. But the early returns are difficult to ignore.
Sports news: Undrafted Rookie Getting Attention at Lions’ Training Camp
The Chargers already have veteran stars who can make games hard for opposing offensive linemen. Now they're hoping Mesidor can develop into another problem for offenses to deal with. Last weekend was a strong step in that direction.
The rookie showed power, speed and some creativity with his pass-rush moves, and he did it against multiple offensive linemen rather than relying on one standout rep. For a first-round pick trying to establish himself before the season begins, that's about as good as it gets.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines