forums

Why the University of Miami Has a Playoff Caliber Defensive Line

Hstokes1447

Hstokes1447

Junior
Joined
Jul 17, 2012
Messages
4,384
The foundation of any College Football Playoff contender is often built on a dominant defensive line that can pressure quarterbacks, stop the run, and anchor the defense. When comparing Miami’s defensive front to teams that have consistently reached the CFP over the past three seasons, it’s clear Miami’s defensive line has the necessary talent to be a CFP caliber defensive lines.

NFL Draft as the Benchmark for Defensive Line Talent
One of the most objective ways to measure a college defensive line’s caliber is by evaluating NFL Draft results. Over the last three CFP seasons, only one CFP team had more than three defensive linemen drafted in the immediate NFL Draft after that season. Many playoff teams featured 1–3 linemen drafted, reflecting the high level of talent required to compete at the highest level.

Miami’s NFL Caliber Talent
Currently, the Miami Hurricanes have three players projected to be drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to several reputable mock drafts:
  • Rueben Bain: Projected as a mid to late first round pick
  • Akheem Mesidor: Projected as a late round pick
  • David Blay: Projected as a mid round pick.
Further, Miami’s defensive line talent pipeline includes 2027 draft-eligible former 5-star recruits:
  • Justin Scott
  • Marquise Lightfoot
  • Armondo Blount
And possibly Hayden Lowe, as he will be draft eligible in 2028. Of the past 31 draft eligible 5 star defensive linemen (according to 247 composite ranking), 22 were drafted, a 71% conversion rate , indicating a strong likelihood these players will reach the NFL.

This gives Miami a total of 7 potential draftable defensive lineman for the 2025 season.

Comparative NFL Draft Production for Recent CFP Defensive Lines

2022–2023 CFP Season Defensive Line NFL Draft Production:
  • Georgia
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Jalen Carter (1st rd), Robert Beal Jr (5th rd)
      • Zion Logue drafted 6th round in 2024 (redshirt on team)
  • Michigan
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Mazi Smith (1st rd), Mike Morris (5th rd)
      • Kris Jenkins, Jaylen Harrell (returning juniors), Mason Graham (true freshman) on roster
  • Ohio State
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Zach Harrison (3rd rd)
      • Michael Hall Jr. (2nd rd 2024) and several redshirt/returning players on roster
  • TCU
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Dylan Horton (4th rd)

2023–2024 CFP Season Defensive Line NFL Draft Production:
  • Alabama
    • 3 DL drafted immediately after: Dallas Turner (1st rd), Chris Braswell (2nd rd), Justin Eboigbe (4th rd)
  • Michigan
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Kris Jenkins (2nd rd), Jaylen Harrell (7th rd)
      • Mason Graham (1st rd 2025), Kenneth Grant (1st rd 2025), Josaiah Stewart (3rd rd 2025) all on roster during playoffs
  • Texas
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Byron Murphy II (1st rd), T'Vondre Sweat (2nd rd)
  • Washington
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Bralen Trice (3rd rd)

2024–2025 CFP Season Defensive Line NFL Draft Production (expanded 12-team playoff):
  • Clemson
    • 0 DL drafted immediately after:
      • Projected 3 DL drafted in 2026
  • Georgia
    • 3 DL drafted immediately after: Mykel Williams (1st rd), Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (5th rd), Warren Brinson (6th rd)
  • Indiana
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: CJ West (4th rd)
  • Ohio State
    • 4 DL drafted immediately after: Tyleik Williams (1st rd), JT Tuimoloau (2nd rd), Jack Sawyer (4th rd), Ty Hamilton (5th rd)
  • Oregon
    • 3 DL drafted immediately after: Derrick Harmon (1st rd), Jordan Burch (3rd rd), Jamaree Caldwell (3rd rd)
  • Penn State
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Abdul Carter (1st rd)
  • SMU
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Elijah Roberts (5th rd)
  • Tennessee
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: James Pearce Jr. (1st rd), Omarr Norman-Lott (2nd rd)
  • Texas
    • Alfred Collins (2nd rd), Vernon Broughton (3rd rd), Barryn Sorrell (4th rd)
  • Notre Dame
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Rylie Mills (4th rd)
  • Boise State
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Ahmed Hassanein (6th rd)
  • Arizona State
    • 0 DL drafted immediately after:

What This Means for Miami’s Defensive Line
Miami currently matches or exceeds many CFP teams in NFL caliber talent on the defensive front. The Hurricanes have:
  • Multiple 2026 NFL Draft projections
  • A pipeline of elite, high-ceiling 5-star recruits who have a historically strong likelihood (71%) of being drafted in their eventual draft years.
  • Depth and versatility, with players able to contribute and develop into NFL prospects.

Conclusion
When comparing the University of Miami's defensive line talent to recent CFP teams, the data clearly supports Miami as a playoff caliber front. The number of NFL draft eligible defensive linemen, places Miami in the same tier as Georgia, Michigan, Alabama, with Texas and Ohio Stats, having more draftable defensive lineman on their rosters.. This isn’t speculation; it’s data driven, evidence showing Miami’s defensive front has the necessary talent to be a formidable, playoff ready unit.
 
Last edited:
Advertisement
Talent has never been the issue here. We’ve had enough talent to make it to charlotte for too many years.

The problem lies with the city, the dudes wearing the polo shirts and certain elements that have surrounded the team for too long.

We can have a complete 5 star roster and we would still wonder if the team could pull of a trip to Charlotte.
Too many late night parties, too much selfishness, not enough brain cells on the sidelines.

Take into consideration the irony that is Al golden.
How can a dude who hired D’nofrio as a dc and not fire him (even make excuses for him) to his own detriment, be able to command a defense that made it to the CFB playoffs and even get a dc gig in the nfl.


Let’s see if we finally figured this coordinator thing out.
That’s why I’ve been so critical of any crowning of these freshman or giddy over a dc just because he screams all the time and doesn’t blink.

Gotta see it.
Until then, it’s just more paper tigers.
Am I excited and optimistic? Absolutely, but cautiously and I mean very cautiously optimistic.
 
Hstokes1447 said:
The foundation of any College Football Playoff contender is often built on a dominant defensive line that can pressure quarterbacks, stop the run, and anchor the defense. When comparing Miami’s defensive front to teams that have consistently reached the CFP over the past three seasons, it’s clear Miami’s defensive line has the necessary talent to be a CFP caliber defensive lines.

NFL Draft as the Benchmark for Defensive Line Talent
One of the most objective ways to measure a college defensive line’s caliber is by evaluating NFL Draft results. Over the last three CFP seasons, only one CFP team had more than three defensive linemen drafted in the immediate NFL Draft after that season. Many playoff teams featured 1–3 linemen drafted, reflecting the high level of talent required to compete at the highest level.

Miami’s NFL Caliber Talent
Currently, the Miami Hurricanes have three players projected to be drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to several reputable mock drafts:
  • Rueben Bain: Projected as a mid to late first round pick
  • Akheem Mesidor: Projected as a late round pick
  • David Blay: Projected as a mid round pick.
Further, Miami’s defensive line talent pipeline includes 2027 draft-eligible former 5-star recruits:
  • Justin Scott
  • Marquise Lightfoot
  • Armondo Blount
And possibly Hayden Lowe, as he will be draft eligible in 2028. Of the past 31 draft eligible 5 star defensive linemen (according to 247 composite ranking), 22 were drafted, a 71% conversion rate , indicating a strong likelihood these players will reach the NFL.

This gives Miami a total of 7 potential draftable defensive lineman for the 2025 season.

Comparative NFL Draft Production for Recent CFP Defensive Lines

2022–2023 CFP Season Defensive Line NFL Draft Production:
  • Georgia
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Jalen Carter (1st rd), Robert Beal Jr (5th rd)
      • Zion Logue drafted 6th round in 2024 (redshirt on team)
  • Michigan
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Mazi Smith (1st rd), Mike Morris (5th rd)
      • Kris Jenkins, Jaylen Harrell (returning juniors), Mason Graham (true freshman) on roster
  • Ohio State
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Zach Harrison (3rd rd)
      • Michael Hall Jr. (2nd rd 2024) and several redshirt/returning players on roster
  • TCU
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Dylan Horton (4th rd)

2023–2024 CFP Season Defensive Line NFL Draft Production:
  • Alabama
    • 3 DL drafted immediately after: Dallas Turner (1st rd), Chris Braswell (2nd rd), Justin Eboigbe (4th rd)
  • Michigan
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Kris Jenkins (2nd rd), Jaylen Harrell (7th rd)
      • Mason Graham (1st rd 2025), Kenneth Grant (1st rd 2025), Josaiah Stewart (3rd rd 2025) all on roster during playoffs
  • Texas
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Byron Murphy II (1st rd), T'Vondre Sweat (2nd rd)
  • Washington
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Bralen Trice (3rd rd)

2024–2025 CFP Season Defensive Line NFL Draft Production (expanded 12-team playoff):
  • Clemson
    • 0 DL drafted immediately after:
      • Projected 3 DL drafted in 2026
  • Georgia
    • 3 DL drafted immediately after: Mykel Williams (1st rd), Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (5th rd), Warren Brinson (6th rd)
  • Indiana
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: CJ West (4th rd)
  • Ohio State
    • 4 DL drafted immediately after: Tyleik Williams (1st rd), JT Tuimoloau (2nd rd), Jack Sawyer (4th rd), Ty Hamilton (5th rd)
  • Oregon
    • 3 DL drafted immediately after: Derrick Harmon (1st rd), Jordan Burch (3rd rd), Jamaree Caldwell (3rd rd)
  • Penn State
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Abdul Carter (1st rd)
  • SMU
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Elijah Roberts (5th rd)
  • Tennessee
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: James Pearce Jr. (1st rd), Omarr Norman-Lott (2nd rd)
  • Texas
    • Alfred Collins (2nd rd), Vernon Broughton (3rd rd), Barryn Sorrell (4th rd)
  • Notre Dame
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Rylie Mills (4th rd)
  • Boise State
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Ahmed Hassanein (6th rd)
  • Arizona State
    • 0 DL drafted immediately after:

What This Means for Miami’s Defensive Line
Miami currently matches or exceeds many CFP teams in NFL caliber talent on the defensive front. The Hurricanes have:
  • Multiple 2026 NFL Draft projections
  • A pipeline of elite, high-ceiling 5-star recruits who have a historically strong likelihood (71%) of being drafted in their eventual draft years.
  • Depth and versatility, with players able to contribute and develop into NFL prospects.

Conclusion
When comparing the University of Miami's defensive line talent to recent CFP teams, the data clearly supports Miami as a playoff caliber front. The number of NFL draft eligible defensive linemen, places Miami in the same tier as Georgia, Michigan, Alabama, with Texas and Ohio Stats, having more draftable defensive lineman on their rosters.. This isn’t speculation; it’s data driven, evidence showing Miami’s defensive front has the necessary talent to be a formidable, playoff ready unit.
Click to expand...
Read this @Peter Ariz and learn something instead of ****ting on our defensive line all the time. You’ve been flat out wrong with your agenda as far as our defensive line goes, even though D money has tried to set you straight. These are facts written above.
 
NicKane said:
Read this @Peter Ariz and learn something instead of ****ting on our defensive line all the time. You’ve been flat out wrong with your agenda as far as our defensive line goes, even though D money has tried to set you straight. These are facts written above.
Click to expand...
Peter Ariz said:
?
Click to expand...

Calm down there. Might have a heart attack. In that event, I’d go to arizlawpa.com.
 
Advertisement
NicKane said:
Read this @Peter Ariz and learn something instead of ****ting on our defensive line all the time. You’ve been flat out wrong with your agenda as far as our defensive line goes, even though D money has tried to set you straight. These are facts written above.
Click to expand...
Problem?
 
Peter Ariz said:
?
Click to expand...
IMG_0373.gif
 
This DL is a outlier for our DL over the past 17 years. Hopefully, it continues. I think we have had 14 DL drafted in 17 years. 5 in the top 4 Rds in 17 years. Again, that is bad. We haven't had good enough talent. I also agreed with Pete on body type. Yes, he got to worked up about it. I agreed with his point, not the delivery of it. We need to recruit better at DT still, but we are light years ahead of the past 17 years right now.
 
Hstokes1447 said:
The foundation of any College Football Playoff contender is often built on a dominant defensive line that can pressure quarterbacks, stop the run, and anchor the defense. When comparing Miami’s defensive front to teams that have consistently reached the CFP over the past three seasons, it’s clear Miami’s defensive line has the necessary talent to be a CFP caliber defensive lines.

NFL Draft as the Benchmark for Defensive Line Talent
One of the most objective ways to measure a college defensive line’s caliber is by evaluating NFL Draft results. Over the last three CFP seasons, only one CFP team had more than three defensive linemen drafted in the immediate NFL Draft after that season. Many playoff teams featured 1–3 linemen drafted, reflecting the high level of talent required to compete at the highest level.

Miami’s NFL Caliber Talent
Currently, the Miami Hurricanes have three players projected to be drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to several reputable mock drafts:
  • Rueben Bain: Projected as a mid to late first round pick
  • Akheem Mesidor: Projected as a late round pick
  • David Blay: Projected as a mid round pick.
Further, Miami’s defensive line talent pipeline includes 2027 draft-eligible former 5-star recruits:
  • Justin Scott
  • Marquise Lightfoot
  • Armondo Blount
And possibly Hayden Lowe, as he will be draft eligible in 2028. Of the past 31 draft eligible 5 star defensive linemen (according to 247 composite ranking), 22 were drafted, a 71% conversion rate , indicating a strong likelihood these players will reach the NFL.

This gives Miami a total of 7 potential draftable defensive lineman for the 2025 season.

Comparative NFL Draft Production for Recent CFP Defensive Lines

2022–2023 CFP Season Defensive Line NFL Draft Production:
  • Georgia
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Jalen Carter (1st rd), Robert Beal Jr (5th rd)
      • Zion Logue drafted 6th round in 2024 (redshirt on team)
  • Michigan
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Mazi Smith (1st rd), Mike Morris (5th rd)
      • Kris Jenkins, Jaylen Harrell (returning juniors), Mason Graham (true freshman) on roster
  • Ohio State
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Zach Harrison (3rd rd)
      • Michael Hall Jr. (2nd rd 2024) and several redshirt/returning players on roster
  • TCU
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Dylan Horton (4th rd)

2023–2024 CFP Season Defensive Line NFL Draft Production:
  • Alabama
    • 3 DL drafted immediately after: Dallas Turner (1st rd), Chris Braswell (2nd rd), Justin Eboigbe (4th rd)
  • Michigan
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Kris Jenkins (2nd rd), Jaylen Harrell (7th rd)
      • Mason Graham (1st rd 2025), Kenneth Grant (1st rd 2025), Josaiah Stewart (3rd rd 2025) all on roster during playoffs
  • Texas
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: Byron Murphy II (1st rd), T'Vondre Sweat (2nd rd)
  • Washington
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Bralen Trice (3rd rd)

2024–2025 CFP Season Defensive Line NFL Draft Production (expanded 12-team playoff):
  • Clemson
    • 0 DL drafted immediately after:
      • Projected 3 DL drafted in 2026
  • Georgia
    • 3 DL drafted immediately after: Mykel Williams (1st rd), Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (5th rd), Warren Brinson (6th rd)
  • Indiana
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: CJ West (4th rd)
  • Ohio State
    • 4 DL drafted immediately after: Tyleik Williams (1st rd), JT Tuimoloau (2nd rd), Jack Sawyer (4th rd), Ty Hamilton (5th rd)
  • Oregon
    • 3 DL drafted immediately after: Derrick Harmon (1st rd), Jordan Burch (3rd rd), Jamaree Caldwell (3rd rd)
  • Penn State
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Abdul Carter (1st rd)
  • SMU
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Elijah Roberts (5th rd)
  • Tennessee
    • 2 DL drafted immediately after: James Pearce Jr. (1st rd), Omarr Norman-Lott (2nd rd)
  • Texas
    • Alfred Collins (2nd rd), Vernon Broughton (3rd rd), Barryn Sorrell (4th rd)
  • Notre Dame
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Rylie Mills (4th rd)
  • Boise State
    • 1 DL drafted immediately after: Ahmed Hassanein (6th rd)
  • Arizona State
    • 0 DL drafted immediately after:

What This Means for Miami’s Defensive Line
Miami currently matches or exceeds many CFP teams in NFL caliber talent on the defensive front. The Hurricanes have:
  • Multiple 2026 NFL Draft projections
  • A pipeline of elite, high-ceiling 5-star recruits who have a historically strong likelihood (71%) of being drafted in their eventual draft years.
  • Depth and versatility, with players able to contribute and develop into NFL prospects.

Conclusion
When comparing the University of Miami's defensive line talent to recent CFP teams, the data clearly supports Miami as a playoff caliber front. The number of NFL draft eligible defensive linemen, places Miami in the same tier as Georgia, Michigan, Alabama, with Texas and Ohio Stats, having more draftable defensive lineman on their rosters.. This isn’t speculation; it’s data driven, evidence showing Miami’s defensive front has the necessary talent to be a formidable, playoff ready unit.
Click to expand...
You’re drunk if u actually believe this **** bro lol
 
Advertisement
Shooter McGavin said:
Problem?
Click to expand...
Yeah, I do have a problem with how @Peter Ariz has talked about our defensive line. Actually let me rephrase that, how he has **** on it when those simply aren’t the facts. Our defensive line is stacked this year and every single contributor at defensive tackle is well over 300 pounds. So whenever you hear, Petey ****ting on it, just know he’s full of crap.
 
Back
Top