NFL Draft Landing Spots For Late-Round Miami Hurricanes

The NFL Draft serves as a defining moment for college athletes, as they take the next step toward realizing their dreams of playing professionally. For the Miami Hurricanes, a program known for producing a wealth of talent over the years, late-round prospects still have significant potential. These players may not garner as much attention as top-tier first-round picks, but many have the grit and determination to prove their worth on the field. With the 2025 NFL Draft looming, we take a closer look at the Miami Hurricanes’ late-round prospects and their potential landing spots in the professional ranks.

1. Jalen Rivers – Offensive Guard

Jalen Rivers is a powerful force on the offensive line and stands as one of Miami’s most intriguing late-round prospects. While Rivers didn’t garner the same amount of attention as some of his teammates, his skills in pass protection and run blocking make him a valuable asset for NFL teams in need of a reliable interior lineman. Rivers’ solid physicality and ability to move defenders off the line in short-yardage situations will likely catch the eye of teams looking to bolster their offensive lines.

Potential Landing Spots:

New York Jets: The Jets have made significant strides in recent years but still need to focus on building their offensive line. Rivers’ toughness could make him a solid fit in their system, providing additional protection for their quarterback while also opening up running lanes.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills have a powerful offense but could use additional depth along the offensive line to protect their star quarterback, Josh Allen. Rivers could step in as a versatile backup or even earn a starting spot depending on training camp competition.
Dallas Cowboys: With a veteran offensive line and the rise of their young star running back Tony Pollard, the Cowboys may look to add some depth in the interior of their line. Rivers could provide some much-needed stability in the trenches for Dallas.

2. Will Mallory – Tight End

Will Mallory is another late-round prospect whose talent could be overlooked in favor of more high-profile tight ends. Mallory has shown consistent improvement in his blocking and receiving skills over the years. While his stats may not jump off the page compared to some other top tight ends, his athleticism, size (6’5”, 245 pounds), and ability to run solid routes make him a worthy consideration for teams looking for a balanced tight end.

Potential Landing Spots:

Kansas City Chiefs: With Patrick Mahomes running the offense, the Chiefs are always looking for additional pass-catching options, especially from tight ends. Mallory could provide an added weapon in the middle of the field, complementing Travis Kelce and adding versatility to Kansas City’s dynamic offense.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have a dynamic offense, but adding another pass-catching tight end could help their offensive scheme. Mallory’s ability to block and catch could make him a solid backup option to the Dolphins’ current tight end, while also serving as a potential red-zone target.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers are known for developing tight ends, and Mallory’s skill set could thrive in Green Bay’s system. With Aaron Rodgers (or a future QB) commanding the offense, Mallory could become a reliable target, especially in short-yardage and third-down situations.

3. Tyrique Stevenson – Cornerback

Tyrique Stevenson’s physicality and experience make him one of the most intriguing late-round prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his aggressive play at the line of scrimmage and ability to cover top receivers, Stevenson’s speed and ability to turn his head and locate the ball make him a solid candidate for a depth position in a team’s secondary. His ability to play both press and off-coverage could fit a variety of defensive schemes.

Potential Landing Spots:

San Francisco 49ers: With a secondary that can be susceptible to big plays, the 49ers might look to add depth at cornerback. Stevenson’s physicality and ability to challenge wide receivers at the line of scrimmage could make him a valuable addition to their defensive backfield.
Chicago Bears: The Bears have made substantial investments in their defense, but cornerback remains a position that could use an upgrade. Stevenson’s aggressive style and ball-hawking skills could fit well in Chicago’s defense, potentially providing a backup with upside.
Detroit Lions: The Lions have been steadily improving under head coach Dan Campbell, and adding cornerback depth could help complete their defensive transformation. Stevenson’s coverage ability and physical play could earn him a spot in their defensive backfield rotation.

4. DJ Ivey – Cornerback

DJ Ivey is a cornerback who has flown under the radar despite his experience in Miami’s secondary. With solid technique and a high football IQ, Ivey’s ability to read and react quickly to routes has made him a reliable corner for the Hurricanes. While he may not have the speed of some top prospects, his ability to maintain solid coverage in a variety of situations makes him a valuable asset.

Potential Landing Spots:

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have a solid core of cornerbacks, but adding depth to their secondary would benefit them. Ivey could compete for a backup role and potentially contribute to special teams.
Washington Commanders: Washington’s defense has been formidable in recent years, but adding another cornerback with high potential could elevate the secondary even further. Ivey’s experience and football IQ could make him a dependable option in a nickel or dime package.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans are known for their physical defense, and Ivey’s ability to play press coverage could make him an intriguing option for their system. He could slot into a backup role with the potential to earn more snaps based on his development.

5. Jordan Miller – Wide Receiver

Jordan Miller is a wide receiver with speed and ability to stretch the field. While not as polished as some of the top-tier wideouts, Miller’s big-play ability makes him an intriguing late-round prospect. He has the tools to contribute both as a deep threat and in a more dynamic offensive system, where his speed and route running could be utilized.

Potential Landing Spots:

Cleveland Browns: With Deshaun Watson leading the offense, the Browns could use another deep threat to complement their other receivers. Miller’s speed and potential could make him a valuable addition to Cleveland’s offense, potentially as a rotational receiver or special teams contributor.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons are in need of a playmaking receiver, and Miller could be a good fit as a developmental prospect with the chance to stretch the field. His deep-threat ability could complement their offense as a backup or rotational piece.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have a new quarterback in place, and adding a young, dynamic wide receiver like Miller could help provide depth to their receiving corps. With his ability to make plays downfield, Miller could grow into a valuable contributor over time.

6. Keyshawn Smith – Wide Receiver

Keyshawn Smith has been an effective and versatile receiver for the Hurricanes. While he has had a few ups and downs throughout his career, Smith’s consistency and ability to make key catches make him an interesting prospect. His ability to line up both inside and outside gives him a chance to carve out a role at the next level.

Potential Landing Spots:

Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders have had success with their wide receivers, but adding another versatile piece like Smith could be useful. His ability to operate as a slot receiver and run clean routes would fit well in their system.
Arizona Cardinals: With an offense that relies heavily on the passing game, the Cardinals could look to add depth at wide receiver. Smith could step in and compete for a roster spot, especially with his ability to catch passes in key moments.
New York Giants: The Giants are in the midst of rebuilding their receiving corps and could use another reliable target. Smith’s versatility could allow him to compete for a starting role or make an immediate impact as a depth piece.

The Miami Hurricanes have several late-round prospects with the potential to make an impact in the NFL. While they may not have the high-profile talent of their teammates who are expected to go in the early rounds, these players can still bring valuable skills to the table. From strong offensive linemen like Jalen Rivers to promising cornerbacks like Tyrique Stevenson, Miami’s draft class is filled with depth and potential. Teams looking for tough, reliable players in the later rounds should pay close attention to these prospects, as they could end up being key contributors on future NFL rosters.