Cam Ward Represents the First Cane to go First Overall since Vinny Testaverde in 1987 and Russell Maryland in 1991, but who else will be selected this weekend?
While Cam Ward is rightfully the crown jewel of this Canes draft class, and draft class generally, as he will go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans — Miami is unlikely to have another player for first-round this year. But, after having an offense that was ranked first overall in 2024, don’t sleep on the electric playmakers who will make noise throughout draft weekend. And even though the bulk of Miami selections will be offensive players, there is also a crop of talent on the defensive side of the ball, as well as a likely specialist selection as NFL teams will be buzzing for the green and orange on Day 2 and beyond.
TODAY IS THE DAY CAM WARD BECOMES A TENNESSEE TITAN!!! pic.twitter.com/zC2IV7dI9T
— Bobby Big Wheels (@TG_RJSwessel) April 24, 2025
In recent years, Miami has had some solid selections in the middle-to-late rounds led by the likes of second round picks, Tyrique Stevenson, third round pick, Kam Kinchens, fifth round pick, Will Mallory, and even seventh round surprises in Jonathan Ford, D.J. Ivey, and James Williams.
Even though Ward will be the only Cane to go on Thursday, this year will be no different with Canes being picked in abundance throughout the weekend…
It’s DRAFT DAY in Green Bay!
: 2025 #NFLDraft – Tonight 8 pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/JX6R3vzhvJ— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) April 24, 2025
Mid-Round Selections
TE Elijah Arroyo
Arroyo only started one year at Miami but was an electric playmaker as a vertical threat on his way to Second Team All-ACC honors. Arroyo is extremely efficient as can be noted by his 74-yard touch and run scamper against Georgia Tech where it looked like he was moving like a true X-receiver. Arroyo’s biggest drawback is his injury history as he had only 16 combined targets during his first three seasons with the Hurricanes before this breakthrough 2024. Of note, he also missed most of the pre-draft process after an impressive Senior Bowl campaign where rumors were swirling that he may even go as early as round one. Arroyo also needs further development as a blocker but he should project as an NFL starter in the latest lineage for #TEU.
Projection: 2nd Round (51st pick) to the Denver Broncos.
WR Xavier Restrepo
Watch the tape. That’s all you need to see to look past Restrepo’s pre-draft size/speed measurements. And, not for nothing, Restrepo had an impressive short shuttle and three-cone drill times that are more stylistically akin to his traits as a productive slot route runner. Let’s fact it, Restrepo is the most storied wide receiver in Canes history who is physical, consistently finds the open space in coverage, and has the body type to move in and out of breaks to become a running back after receptions. NFL teams should not overthink this one… He’ll drop this weekend and he’ll make many teams regret it as he carves out a role in an offense on Sundays.
Projection: 4th Round (103rd pick) to the Tennessee Titans. Get ready for more Ward-to-Restrepo greatness!
Xavier Restrepo is a safe bet to succeed in the NFL
: https://t.co/WEq2wgGifu pic.twitter.com/s2ivMTs2F1
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 17, 2025
RB Damien Martinez
Another offensive skill player that has been getting pre-draft love is Martinez. Martinez has garnered a number of respectable comps for his patience and balance through contact as he was graded one of the top RBs in this class according to advanced metrics, and average over 1,000 yards per season during his college tenure. With those traits, he should have plenty of opportunity to provide a weapon as either a short yardage back or in relief as injuries happen (put him on your fantasy football radar before now).
Projection: 4th Round (105th pick) to the New York Giants.
OL Jalen Rivers
It is unclear if Rivers will be eventually slot into a tackle role or impresses at the more premium tackle position. At 6’6”, 319lbs, he has the frame to play tackle but his crafty use of length and dominance in the run game could lead to a more natural fit on the interior. He can be overaggressive at times and needs to clean up the technical aspects, but Rivers could definitely pan out as a starting offensive lineman.
Projection: 4th Round (135th pick) to the Miami Dolphins.
Late Round Selections/Priority Free Agents
K Andres Borregales
Andres’ older brother, Jose, ended up going undrafted in spite of winning the Lou Groza Award. Andres will flip the script by being the first kicker off the board this year.
Projection: 5th Round (171st pick) to the New England Patriots.
Andres Borregales, who is of Venezuelan descent, is one of the names to watch for during the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Read more about him below. https://t.co/gvKfyIYn4p
— REMEZCLA (@REMEZCLA) April 16, 2025
LB Francisco Mauigoa
Mauigoa proved to be a tackling machine during his college career and capped it off with a near-100 tackle campaign in 2024. Cam Ward’s teammate at both Washington and Miami does a great job commanding the center of the defense as a field general before snaps and during the plays at working through the roughage in the middle of the field. He doesn’t have the top tier traits to be an early round pick but he has the right mentality (Miami captain) and toughness to earn a roster spot.
Projection: 6th Round (187th pick) to the Minnesota Vikings.
EDGE Tyler Baron
Another defensive transfer, Baron was firing out of the gates in his lone season for the Canes (three sacks in an early season game against FAMU) but seemed to fade slightly as the season progressed. That said, Baron put together a strong campaign in leading Miami in tackles for loss and sacks, which will lead to a draft-worthy grade. Baron tends to rely too much on his freakish athleticism and can get caught with inconsistent discipline at times, which shows on tape. He will still get a crack and should rotate in on defenses at the next level.
Projection: 6th Round (216th pick) to the Cleveland Browns.
WR Sam Brown
At the beginning of this season, it was expected that Brown would have a breakout season in Shannon Dawson’s offense, which he was accustomed to at Houston prior to transferring. However, Brown saw a significant dip in production as he only had 36 receptions for 509 yards. Brown relies on his athleticism, which even caused his draft stock to increase, as he had one of the best vertical jumps (41’5”) and 40 times (4.44). However, until he refines his electric potential to on-field traits (i.e. ball-tracking, route running capabilities, and playing through each snap by separating by way of YAC or limiting drops), he will have limited exposure with an NFL team.
Projection: 7th Round (257th pick) to the Kansas City Chiefs. Mr. Irrelevant!
Miami @CanesFootball wide receiver Sam Brown Jr. (6-2, 200, 4.4 speed, 41.5 vertical, 36 catches, 509 yards, two touchdowns last season) meets privately with #Chiefs next week, per a league source. Former @UHCougarFB All-Big 12 honorable mention with 62 catches, 815 yards, three… https://t.co/Du5GeTr8WJ pic.twitter.com/4sfjCzB0k8
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 29, 2025
WR Jacolby George
Another wide receiver that could not quite put it all together. George was often his own worst enemy as he played undisciplined both during plays, off the field (arrest charges for racing on the highway later dropped, as well as a two-game suspension in 2022), and in getting caught up in a string of unsportsmanlike conduct acts that proved costly for Miami (i.e. Louisville finale). George’s smaller frame make it a further uphill battle but he was able to compile 864 yards and 752 yards in his final two seasons, respectively. He also offers punt return/specialist potential.
Projection: UDFA to the Detroit Lions.
DT Simeon Barrow
Barrow was arguably a NFL Combine snub, which he proved with his electric Miami Pro Day which consisted of 32 bench press reps and a 4.89 40-yard dash at 283lbs. The Michigan State transfer lacks some of the top tier on-field athleticism and size for a traditional NFL-caliber defensive tackle, but his competitiveness could help him stick around.
Projection: UDFA to the Green Bay Packers.
Miami Transfers Who Will be Drafted (The Rhett Lashlee Specials)
RB Brashard Smith (SMU): The Miami native moved from wide receiver to running back once he joined Lashlee’s offense and offers dynamic potential that still remains untapped. Smith was fourth in all-purpose yards across the FBS at 1,977 yards only behind Ashton Jeanty, Cam Skattebo, and Omarion Hamption. Smith would make an amazing addition for teams that can leverage a durable and dynamic threat. Projection: 5th Round
#SMU RB Brashard Smith is a player I keep coming back to and runs like these are why. Speedy back but shows his power on the goal line with the “won’t be denied attitude.” Can see him winning multiple teams over with plays like this. pic.twitter.com/qqKRbJ81dM
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) April 11, 2025
EDGE Elijah Roberts (SMU): Roberts rejoined Lashlee and thrived as a durable piece starting 27 games over his final two seasons, with a combined 23.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. Roberts can play both inside and outside on the defensive line. Projection: 5th Round
DT Jared Harrison-Hunte (SMU): Harrison-Hunte earned first team All-ACC Honors in compiling 8.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks during the 2024 campaign. He provides explosiveness but will likely be limited at the NFL level as he is a bit between interior defensive tackle and outside EDGE guy. Projection: 6th Round
Undrafted Free Agents
There are a number of recent Miami draftees that went undrafted but are still putzing around on NFL rosters. This includes Te’Cory Couch, Javion Cohen, K.J. Cloyd, Mitchell Agude, Bubba Bolden, and Leonard Taylor.
Expect that trend to continue as Elijah Alston, Meesh Powell, and Daryl Porter should all get some traction to get invited to an NFL team’s camp.