Discover which Miami Hurricanes standouts will hear their names called early, highlighted by dominant linemen poised for first-round NFL Draft glory.
The NFL Draft is two weeks away, which will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The event will mark a new chapter for numerous prospects, including former Miami Hurricanes stars. However, only a few will be in attendance to hear Commissioner Roger Goodell call their names in person.
It was announced on Thursday, April 9, that 16 projected first-rounders will be at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, including a couple of Hurricanes All-Americans in edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. Both were part of the 2023 recruiting class, playing strong factors in the program’s turnaround, resulting in a National Championship appearance before officially departing.
Bain Jr. and Mauigoa were dominant factors at the line of scrimmage, despite playing on opposite sides of the field. They emerged as leaders and developed as impactful players. Both are projected to be first-round selections.
Mauigoa is regarded as arguably the best offensive lineman in the class. The 20-year-old only gave up eight sacks in 42 games with the Hurricanes, 1,521 career pass-blocking snaps. He listed at 6-5 ½, 329 pounds, with a 33 ¼ arm and 10 ⅝ hand length at the NFL Scouting Combine. Mauigoa was named All-ACC First Team and the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner before departing from the program.
The offensive tackle prospect has been linked to the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals.
On the other side, Bain Jr. was a dominant force, wreaking havoc among opponents at the line of scrimmage. In his final season with the Hurricanes, the 21-year-old 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 in the home opener against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, appearing and starting in all 16 games.
The Miami native is regarded as one of the best defenders in the class, but there’s been a consistent narrative surrounding his arm length, which is listed at 30 ⅞ inches from the Combine.
Bain Jr. has been linked to the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and Dallas Cowboys.
Both prospects are highly talented and likely to walk the stage at the NFL Draft as first-round selections. Regardless of size concerns, they were impactful against other prospects, especially in the Hurricanes’ historic College Football Playoff run.
Akheem Mesidor is another projected first-rounder from the program, but the 25-year-old will spend the memorable moment among family in Ottawa, Ontario. He’s coming off a career season with the Hurricanes: 63 total tackles, 38 solos and 25 assists, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 15 games.
The fellow star edge rusher was named Sporting News All-America Second Team, All-ACC First Team, and a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award, which went to Bain Jr.
The first day of the NFL Draft is on Thursday, April 23, and will be streaming on the NFL Network, ESPN, and ABC.
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