Miami Hurricanes Reload the NFL Pipeline with First-Round Talent
The NFL Draft is still months away, but the Miami Hurricanes are already making noise. With the early declaration window now closed for players who participated in the National Championship, a trio of Canes are firmly in the first-round conversation-and they’re not just filling out mock drafts. These are players who could step into NFL locker rooms and immediately shift the trajectory of entire franchises.
Let’s start in the trenches, where Miami’s offensive line was one of the most reliable units in college football this past season. At the center of that dominance? Francis Mauigoa.
Francis Mauigoa: A Foundation Piece for Tennessee
Projected to go fourth overall to the Tennessee Titans, Mauigoa brings size, power, and polish. At 6-foot-6, 335 pounds, with an 81-inch wingspan, he’s built like a prototype NFL tackle.
But this isn’t just about measurables-Mauigoa anchored a Hurricanes line that kept quarterback Carson Beck upright all season. Beck was among the least-pressured quarterbacks in the country, and Mauigoa’s presence on the edge was a big reason why.
The Titans, meanwhile, were at the other end of the spectrum. Their quarterbacks were under siege all year, with Cam Ward tying for the most sacks taken in the league. If Tennessee wants to get back on track offensively, it starts with protecting the quarterback-and Mauigoa is the kind of player you can build a line around.
Rueben Bain Jr.: Chiefs Eyeing a Defensive Spark Plug
At No. 9, the Kansas City Chiefs are projected to grab Rueben Bain Jr., and it’s easy to see why. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year was a force for Miami this season, racking up 54 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and even an interception. He started all 16 games and was a consistent disruptor in the backfield.
The Chiefs may have missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, but their defense still showed promise-ranking sixth in points allowed and fourth in touchdowns surrendered. Where they struggled, though, was in creating pressure. Kansas City finished in the bottom half of the league with just 35 sacks and 41 quarterback hurries.
Bain Jr. is the kind of high-motor edge rusher who can change that. He’s explosive off the snap, relentless in pursuit, and brings the kind of energy that fits right into Kansas City’s defensive identity. Pair him with an already stout secondary, and the Chiefs could be looking at a fast defensive rebound.
Akheem Mesidor: Detroit’s Next Defensive Enforcer
The third Hurricane projected to go in the first round is edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, slotted to the Detroit Lions with the 17th pick. At 24 years old, Mesidor is an older rookie, but his production speaks volumes. He posted 63 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and forced four fumbles last season-numbers that rival any pass rusher in this class.
Detroit could use the help. After a promising 2025 campaign, the Lions regressed across the board and missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record.
Their defense, in particular, took a step back. Adding Mesidor to a front that already features Aidan Hutchinson could be a game-changer.
That duo would give Detroit a pair of edge defenders capable of wrecking offensive game plans on a weekly basis.
More Hurricanes on the Radar
While Mauigoa, Bain Jr., and Mesidor headline Miami’s draft class, they’re not the only names to watch. Defensive backs Keionte Scott and Jakobe Thomas, linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, and quarterback Carson Beck are all expected to draw interest as the draft process unfolds.
This isn’t just a strong draft class-it’s a statement about Miami’s ability to develop NFL-ready talent. These players aren’t just prospects; they’re potential cornerstones. And come draft night, don’t be surprised if multiple teams look to Coral Gables to find their next franchise piece.