CBS Sports newest 7-round mock draft only four Miami football players selected

The newest mock draft posted by CBSSports.Com only has four Miami football players selected and not who most observers would have expected.

Eight Miami football players were invited to the NFL combine and a handful of a few others are eligible for the NFL Draft. It is somewhat surprising that CBSSports.Com projects only four Hurricanes football alums to be selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. The draft is scheduled for April 23-25 without fans.

In a memo issued by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday, the NFL Draft will still take place at the above stated previously scheduled dates in a much more muted setting. Goodell believes that the NFL Draft “can serve a very positive purpose” for those following the league.

Graduated seniors, linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney, graduate transfer defensive end Trevon Hill and wide receiver K.J. Osborn and juniors, cornerback Trajan Bandy, running back DeeJay Dallas, defensive lineman Jonathan Garvin, and WR Jeff Thomas all participated at the NFL combine.

Some of those eight will be selected in the NFL Draft. Miami also lost seniors, striker Romeo Finley, defensive tackles, Pat Bethel and graduate transfer Chigozie Nnoruka and safety Robert Knowles. None of those four are expected to be selected in the NFL draft next month.

The combination of Miami football alums that CBS Sports projects to be taken in the NFL Draft had some surprises.CBS sports projects Garvin as the first Miami football alum to be selected, as the 154th overall selection in the fifth round to the Dolphins. Each pick has a short summary.

CBS said “Garvin does not have to travel far to find employment. Miami (Dolphins) uses their many draft choices to add some depth.” If Garvin had produced in his junior season equivalent to his senior season he might have enhanced his draft stock a round or two. Garvin’s numbers went down across the board in 2019 from 2018.

As a sophomore Garvin had 60 tackles, 17 tackles for loss 5.5 sacks, five pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, one of which hs returned for a TD. In 2019, Garvin’s numbers fell to 37 tackles, nine TFLs and five sacks. Thomas is surprisingly the next player CBS projects to be taken in the NFL Draft.

The projected selection of Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs seems like a perfect spot for him in a couple of ways. Kansas City would utilize the speed and shiftiness Thomas has better than anyone else in their wide-open offense. Being drafted by K.C. would also get Thomas as close to his St. Louis home as possible.

"“Thomas has a lot of speed. Kansas City loves speed and the Miami product could be their next project.”"

Thomas being selected by Kansas City would a similar situation to Chiefs star WR Tyreke Hill who had a lot of off the field problems entering the NFL but has become one of the most feared players in the league because of his ability to score from anywhere on the field.

Hill and Thomas on the field together would create one of the fastest duos in the NFL. Thomas is an exceptional return man if he can do a better job taking care of the football. Thomas is projected to be taken by K.C. in the fifth round with the 177th overall selection.

The final two Miami football alums are not expected to be selected in the NFL Draft until the seventh round. Hill is projected to be taken by Green Bay 242nd overall. CBS says “Hill has a lot of talent when he wants to play. However, there are concerns about whether or not he can carry that mindset consistently.”

The final player CBS has being selected from the Miami football program is Dallas. The New York Giants are the projected landing spot with the 247th pick. Dallas has the skill set to be the perfect depth player for an NFL team. “Dallas has tremendous will power and toughness. He showed that in Week 0 against Florida.”

The shocking undrafted player projected by CBS is Quarterman. Quarterman was a starter at MLB all four seasons with Miami and the leader of the defense for most of his collegiate career. Thomas who is ranked 296th overall by CBS would be a huge reach. Pinckney is recovering from an Achilles injury. Bandy’s size could be an issue.