Three Miami Hurricanes stars projected for the first round of the NFL Draft. Offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, and edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor are set for promising futures.
The NFL Draft is seven days away, leaving several Miami Hurricanes prospects looking for new opportunities. However, only a few are projected to be selected in the first round. Todd McShay from The Ringer published a newly edited mock draft, which featured three players from the program: offensive tackle All-American Francis Mauigoa, plus edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr.
Each of them is coming off a career season with the Hurricanes, resulting in great potential for multiple organizations to take a chance on. According to McShay, Mauigoa would be the first of the three to be taken off the board: fifth to the New York Giants. He mentioned going back and forth between him and Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles. However, the prioritization of protecting quarterback Jaxson Dart led to the final decision.
“Taking Mauigoa after signing Jermaine Eluemunor–with both players capable of playing right tackle or sliding inside to guard–would give the Giants valuable flexibility to get their best five on the field,” McShay said.
Mauigoa was the vocal point for a dominant Hurricanes offensive line. In 826 offensive snaps played, the 20-year-old allowed just 15 total pressures, four hits, and two sacks, playing in all 16 games last season. He was the Hurricanes’ starting right tackle, but open to playing any other position if called upon.
The Giants allowed 48 sacks, the 10th most in the league. The organization has a promising quarterback in Dart and providing high-quality protection would benefit the offensive passing game.
Mauigoa listed at 6-5 1/2 and weighing 329 pounds at the Scouting Combine.
The next would be Bain Jr., selected at 14 by the Baltimore Ravens. The Miami native recorded 54 total tackles, 30 solos and 24 assists, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a pass broken up, two passes defended, and an interception, playing in all 16 games last season. The Hurricanes' star proved to be a dominant force at the line of scrimmage. He was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year, All-ACC First Team, and the Ted Hendricks Award winner.
There have been rumblings about the 21-year-old’s arm length, which measured at 30 7/8 at the Scouting combine. Also, Bain Jr. made headlines after a newsletter was published about a fatal car accident from March 2024. A passenger passed away, but there were no criminal records found connecting the crash or the tragic death.
“Bain could still go as high as No. 9 to Kansas City [Chiefs], but his arm length is a real concern and may contribute to a draft-day slide,” McShay added. “It’s worth noting that teams have known about and investigated Bain’s involvement in a fatal 2024 car crash for months, so this projected slide is not a reflection of that news.”
The Ravens have a rich history of defensive players, including Pro Football Hall of Famer and University of Miami alumnus Ray Lewis.
Right after Bain Jr., Mesidor would be selected at 15 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite being 25 years old and having an injury history, he’s regarded as arguably the best pure pass rusher in the class. Mesidor recorded 63 total tackles, 38 solos and 25 assists, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles, playing in 15 games.
“Mesidor beings exactly what [the Buccanners] are missing,” McShay said. “He’s a polished, productive pass rusher with a deep arsenal of moves, change-of-direction quickness, violent hands, and a relentless motor. There are some age and durability concerns, but this is a team focused on the present, not a second contract.”
The first day of the NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, April 23. Bain Jr. and Mauigoa will be present to walk the stage when called upon.
The Hurricanes have a rich history of sending star talent to the NFL and look to add more names to the book.
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