Top Miami Hurricanes Players Projected in Early NFL Draft Rounds

Experts see three Canes going in the first two rounds, with a few more potentially landing in the top 100 picks.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of orange, green, and white, depicting abstracted football players in motion, capturing the energy and dynamism of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the top Miami Hurricanes players poised to make an impact in the 2026 NFL Draft.Today in Miami

According to NFL draft experts, several top players from the University of Miami football team are expected to be selected early in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, cornerback Keionte Scott, and offensive tackle Markel Bell are all projected to hear their names called within the first three rounds.

Why it matters

The Miami Hurricanes have long been a pipeline to the NFL, and this year's draft class is no exception. With multiple players projected as early-round picks, it showcases the continued talent and potential of the Canes' program to produce professional-caliber talent.

The details

According to draft expert Dane Brugler, Mauigoa is a "durable blocker with coordinated movements, excellent play strength and the finishing mentality to match" who could transition inside to guard in the NFL. Bain and Mesidor are both disruptive edge rushers, with Mesidor's "100 mph" playing style projecting him as a potential three-down starter. Scott is a versatile defensive back, while Bell has improved his NFL stock with a strong 2025 season.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Francis Mauigoa

An offensive tackle who started 42 games over his college career at Miami.

Rueben Bain Jr.

A defensive edge rusher who recorded 121 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, and 20.5 sacks in 38 career games for the Hurricanes.

Akheem Mesidor

A defensive edge rusher who tallied 208 tackles, 52.5 tackles for loss, and 35.5 sacks in 65 career games for Miami.

Keionte Scott

A cornerback who had 179 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and 14 pass deflections in 47 games for the Hurricanes.

Markel Bell

An offensive tackle who started 28 games over his college career at Miami.

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What they’re saying

“Mauigoa is a durable blocker with coordinated movements, excellent play strength and the finishing mentality to match. Though his college tape says he can stay outside at right tackle, his skill set would be maximized inside at guard in the NFL.”

— Dane Brugler, Draft Expert

“Mesidor won't be universally loved because of his age and injury history, but he is a disruptive force off the edge who is always playing 100 mph. He projects as a three-down NFL starter, with interior value on subpackages.”

— Dane Brugler, Draft Expert

“Bell is high cut and faces some disadvantages because of how he is built, but he compensates with his length and ascending awareness, which suggests he has NFL starts in his future. His performance in 2025 forced NFL scouts to reevaluate both his ceiling and floor.”

— Dane Brugler, Draft Expert

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, where these top Miami Hurricanes players will look to hear their names called and begin their professional careers.

The takeaway

The University of Miami continues to be a premier destination for elite college football talent, with several Hurricanes players projected as early-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. This demonstrates the program's ability to develop players who can succeed at the next level.