In the latest mock draft by ESPN analyst Field Yates, the Miami Hurricanes are making waves with two players projected in the top 11 picks. Edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. is slotted to join the New Orleans Saints at No. 8, while offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa is predicted to head to the Miami Dolphins at No.
- Additionally, Yates sees Akheem Mesidor landing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No.
Miami's recent success in reaching the College Football Playoff national championship game has certainly put their top talents in the spotlight, showcasing them as premier first-round prospects.
Rueben Bain Jr. in the Top 10
Yates envisions Bain bolstering the Saints' pass rush. Despite some concerns about his arm length-measured at 30 and 7/8 inches-Bain’s performance speaks for itself, with 18.5 tackles for loss and 71 pressures in 2025.
His well-rounded game keeps him in the conversation as a top defensive pick. Bain is ranked No. 10 in Yates' top-50 prospect rankings and is also Mel Kiper Jr.'s top defensive end in the class.
Francis Mauigoa: A First-Round Lock
Projected to the Dolphins at No. 11, Mauigoa is seen as a solution to Miami's offensive line struggles, with the team ranking 24th in pass block win rate and 29th in run block win rate last season.
Mauigoa's raw power and ability to reach the second level make him a standout prospect. He’s ranked No. 8 in Yates' top-50 and is Kiper's No. 1 offensive tackle for 2026.
A consensus first-team All-American in 2025, Mauigoa has been a rock at right tackle, starting all 42 games of his college career.
Akheem Mesidor at No. 15
Yates projects Mesidor to the Buccaneers at No. 15.
Despite turning 25 before the draft, Mesidor's ability and impressive get-off make him a top-15 talent. Transitioning from a defensive tackle at West Virginia to an edge rusher at Miami, Mesidor’s draft stock surged during Miami's playoff run, highlighting his adaptability and skill set.
Miami's standout players are clearly catching the eyes of NFL scouts, and their potential impact at the next level is creating buzz as the draft approaches.