After the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, the Hurricanes have seen a major boost in draft stock, especially defensive back Keionte Scott, who is now projected as a first-round pick in PFF’s post–Senior Bowl mock draft.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) dropped an updated 2026 first-round NFL Mock Draft on Monday morning, and four Hurricanes were included among the 32 picks. Two of them landed inside the top ten — you can probably guess who. The third and fourth came off the board later in the first round.
Rueben Bain was the first Canes player off the board, slotted at No. 2 overall to the Jets. Right behind him was Francis Mauigoa, projected No. 3 overall to the Cardinals. Miami stayed in the first-round mix with Akheem Messier coming off the board at No. 17 to Detroit. The Hurricanes rounded things out with Keionte Scott, projected No. 29 overall to the Chargers.
The last time a school had four players taken in the first round was just last year, when Ohio State saw four Buckeyes hear their names called in the opening 32 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. That marked the first time in three years it had happened, and before Ohio State, it was Georgia in 2022, when the Bulldogs produced five first-round selections.
It’s only a mock, and a lot can change, but seeing four Hurricanes in the first round is another reminder that Miami’s talent level is trending where fans want it to be.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) dropped an updated 2026 first-round NFL Mock Draft on Monday morning, and four Hurricanes were included among the 32 picks. Two of them landed inside the top ten — you can probably guess who. The third and fourth came off the board later in the first round.
Rueben Bain was the first Canes player off the board, slotted at No. 2 overall to the Jets. Right behind him was Francis Mauigoa, projected No. 3 overall to the Cardinals. Miami stayed in the first-round mix with Akheem Messier coming off the board at No. 17 to Detroit. The Hurricanes rounded things out with Keionte Scott, projected No. 29 overall to the Chargers.
The last time a school had four players taken in the first round was just last year, when Ohio State saw four Buckeyes hear their names called in the opening 32 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. That marked the first time in three years it had happened, and before Ohio State, it was Georgia in 2022, when the Bulldogs produced five first-round selections.
It’s only a mock, and a lot can change, but seeing four Hurricanes in the first round is another reminder that Miami’s talent level is trending where fans want it to be.
