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NFL insider predicts former WVU star has gigantic NFL Draft upside

The former West Virginia defender could hear his name called on Day 1 on the draft. which begins on Thursday night.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) celebrates after a sack against the Indiana Hoosiers in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) celebrates after a sack against the Indiana Hoosiers in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

When it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft, there aren't a ton of players from last season's WVU football team earning serious consideration as a prospect. But one former West Virginia player that transferred out of the program after two seasons in Morgantown could find himself in rare company this weekend.

The NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night at 8 P.M. EST in Pittsburgh, and one NFL insider's most recent mock draft has a former WVU star projected as a first round selection.

Akheem Mesidor projected as first round NFL draft pick after impressive season with Miami (FL)

Prominent NFL insider Jason La Canfora dropped a new mock draft alongside his insider expectations for the first round of the draft, and he has a familiar face for West Virginia fans slotted to go No. 29 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs – EDGE rusher Akheem Mesidor, who played the last four seasons with the Miami (FL) Hurricanes, but began his career in Morgantown.

Mesidor played for the Mountaineers from 2020-2021, racking up 70 tackles and 9.5 sacks during his two-season stint with the program. But he ended up transferring to the Hurricanes following his second year with West Virginia, preserving three years of eligibility due COVID eligibility rules.

At Miami (FL), he would miss most of one season with a medical redshirt, but stayed with the program for a four-year stint and eventually emerged as one of the team's top defensive lineman, racking up 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles while helping lead the Hurricanes to a National Championship appearance this past season.

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