Akheem Mesidor four-word message says it all before padded practices

Chargers rookie edge rusher Akheem Mesidor is eager for Tuesday’s padded practice. Just how eager is he?

Following Monday’s practice, reporters asked the rookie how excited he was to finally suit up in full pads, and he didn’t hesitate with his answer.

“I harp on violence,” Mesidor said. “That’s how I play the game.”

Mesidor said he feels like he’s been held back over the first days of camp, and because of that, he’s excited for the pads.

“I feel like I’m kind of being held back a little bit without pads. Obviously, you want to take care of each other.”

The Chargers selected Mesidor in the first round of this year’s draft for that exact reason.

So far through the first couple of days of training camp, he’s played just like the first-round pick the Chargers hoped he’d be. There’s only one way Mesidor likes to play.

Mesidor showecased his high-motor, instinctive play in his time in Miami. The 25-year-old earned second-team All-American honors and was named to the first-team All-ACC due to his play.

While there is talent and skill when it comes to Mesidor, it won’t be easy in the pros or when the pads come on in practice. He will be going up against two of the best tackles on the team, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.

Mesidor expressed that excitement on Monday as well.

“I’m very excited to go against both Joe Alt and Rashawn [Slater] everyday. Very excited,” Mesidor said.

Mesidor has brought plenty of energy and excitement to the Chargers, but now comes the important part: proving it on the field. His addition gives the edge rusher room another weapon and should make an already talented defense even more dangerous.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Akheem Mesidor four-word message says it all before padded practices