Senior Bowl Shines Spotlight on Miami Stars as Draft Stock Rises
The Senior Bowl wrapped up with the American Team taking a 17-9 win over the National Team, and while only two Miami Hurricanes suited up for the game, the ripple effect across NFL draft boards was unmistakable. As scouts and decision-makers gathered in Mobile, three Miami standouts made waves - not just with their play, but with how they're now being projected in first-round territory.
Let’s start with the headliner: Rueben Bain Jr.
The edge rusher out of Miami is no stranger to accolades - ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Ted Hendricks Award winner, and a certified All-American. Now, he’s being projected as a top-10 pick, landing at No. 9 to the Kansas City Chiefs in a recent mock draft.
That’s a statement. The Chiefs may have missed the playoffs and watched their AFC West streak end, but their defense was a consistent bright spot.
Adding Bain to that unit would give Kansas City a dynamic, two-way edge presence - someone who can collapse the pocket and set the edge in the run game.
Bain's production speaks for itself: 54 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and even an interception - a rare feat for a defensive end. He made that play in Week 1 against Notre Dame, setting the tone for a dominant season.
At just 21 years old, Bain already plays with the kind of physicality and motor that NFL teams covet. According to projections, he’s exactly the kind of “rugged QB hunter” that Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach love to build around.
Next up is Francis Mauigoa, the Hurricanes’ powerful right tackle, who’s slotted to go 10th overall to the Cincinnati Bengals. If there’s one thing Bengals fans have been begging for, it’s better protection for Joe Burrow.
Mauigoa could be the answer. While he’s a natural tackle, some scouts see him shifting inside to guard - a move that could help solidify Cincinnati’s interior line and keep Burrow upright.
Mauigoa isn’t just another big body. He’s the reigning ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, awarded to the conference’s top blocker.
At 20 years old, he’s already shown the kind of technique, footwork, and power that translate to the next level. Whether he lines up at guard or tackle, he brings a physical edge and a high football IQ - two things the Bengals’ offensive line has sorely lacked.
Then there’s Akheem Mesidor, another edge rusher who’s been climbing draft boards after a monster season. He’s currently projected to go 19th overall to the Carolina Panthers - a team in desperate need of defensive upgrades. Mesidor was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks all year long, often lining up opposite Bain and forcing offenses to pick their poison.
Mesidor’s numbers are jaw-dropping: 63 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks - tops in the ACC - and four forced fumbles. He plays with relentless energy and has a knack for creating chaos in the backfield.
At 24, he’s a bit older than some of the other top prospects, but that maturity shows in his game. He’s polished, powerful, and ready to contribute from Day 1.
While Brockermeyer and Bell represented the Hurricanes in the Senior Bowl itself, it’s the trio of Bain, Mauigoa, and Mesidor who are stealing the draft spotlight. Miami’s pipeline to the NFL is alive and well - and looking like it could produce three first-rounders this spring.
Next up: the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, running from Feb. 23 to March 2. That’s where these prospects will have another chance to impress - not just with their tape, but with their measurables, interviews, and on-field drills. And then, all eyes shift to April 23, when the first round of the NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh.
For Miami, the message is clear: the U is still a factory for NFL talent - and this year’s class is ready to make its mark.