General manager Joe Hortiz chose to bolster the defense with the Chargers' first-round pick, selecting edge rusher Akheem Mesidor.

The 25-year-old recorded 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles last season at Miami. The 2025 campaign marked the edge's sixth collegiate season, and he entered the draft with both age and injury concerns.

However, Hortiz dismissed both as potential issues throughout his Chargers tenure.

"We interviewed him in Indy. You felt that in the room," Hortiz said of the edge's maturity. "He's experienced. He got an education in football at Miami. ... Age is just a number."

Mesidor is slated to be the third edge rusher, behind Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipolotu, on the depth chart.

The Chargers welcomed Mesidor to the organization this past Friday, with head coach Jim Harbaugh greeting the rookie and allowing him to pick his jersey number.

Mesidor couldn't choose the number he wore with the Hurricanes as safety Derwin James already wears No. 3 for the Chargers.

"Ninety was my first number in college," Mesidor said. Back to it, monster number."

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers reveal rookie Akheem Mesidor's jersey number