Dominating at left tackle with elite athleticism, former five-star recruit Samson Okunlola is projected as a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
MIAMI, Fla. – The No. 4 Miami Hurricanes could be on the verge of developing another star offensive tackle into a first-round NFL prospect.
In a 2027 mock draft conducted by CBS Sports, redshirt junior Samson Okunlola was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 31 pick. He was the only Hurricanes player to be featured. Okunlola is currently listed at 6-6 and 330 pounds, with the versatility of playing inside and out.
Before this year, the Brockton (Mass.) native had played in limited stints for the Hurricanes until extensive opportunities were presented in the 2025 college football season. However, it was a big adjustment, as Okunlola would split snaps with Matthew McCoy at left guard. Despite playing a whole new role, he was still serviceable in both pass and run blocking.
After missing spring practices, Okunlola returned to the Coral Gables campus for fall camp and continued to earn the coach’s trust. He was going to play a big role in the Hurricanes’ new-looking offensive line, as four starters departed for the NFL. Given the program’s cross-training ideology, it was initially unclear where Okunlola would be slated.
In the first four games of this season, the 21-year-old has been the Hurricanes’ starting left tackle. He’s proving to be a bigger force at the position in both pass and run blocking. In 218 snaps thus far, Okunlola has allowed four pressures with no sacks. He’s known to have elite athleticism and light footwork.
It’s often overlooked that Okunlola was a five-star recruit coming from Thayer Academy and part of the 2023 high school graduating class. He was ranked among the elites and had several Power Four scholarship offers, including from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, and Texas A&M, among several others. Okunlola was recruited by Hurricanes offensive line coach Alex Mirabal and committed shortly before National Signing Day.
Although Okunlola had a longer journey to consistent playing time compared to most five-star recruits, it’s proving to be worth it. He’s been good enough to be the sixth offensive tackle taken off of CBS Sports’ early draft board. Okunlola has an opportunity to make a statement this Saturday against Clemson, with senior edge rusher Will Heldt, who was selected by the New York Jets with the No. 16 pick on the same projected list, lining up against him.
Kickoff is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ABC.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
