Miami football continued dominant 2003 NFL Draft after Fiesta Bowl loss

The Miami football program dominated the NFL Draft for 14 years from 1995-2008 at least one Hurricane was picked in the first round. Miami also went from 1987-2008 with a player chosen at least in the second round. No school has produced as much NFL talent.

The Miami football program became legendary in the 1980s under Hall of Fame Coaches Howard Schnellenberger and Jimmy Johnson. Schnellenberger is the Hurricanes godfather leading them to their first national championship in 1983. Johnson took the program to another level going 44-4 in from 1985-88.

Under Johnson and through the late 2000s, the Miami football team became the most talented program in the country. During the 14 year streak from 1995-2008, 31 Miami Hurricanes were selected in the first round. Miami had their streak of 34 consecutive wins broken on an abysmal call in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

Despite the loss and a devastating injury to star running back Willis McGahee in the Fiesta Bowl, Miami continued to own the NFL Draft following the 2002 season. After five players were selected in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft following Miami’s 2001 National Championship season another five were first-rounders in 2003.

Ten players in all from Miami were selected in the 2003 NFL Draft. The players Miami lost after the 2002 season were irreplaceable to the Hurricanes’ success. The parade of top-level talent from Miami Hurricanes continued to the NFL for the next five NFL Drafts, but a national championship hasn’t been close since.

A sizeable portion of the streak of Miami sending first-round picks to the NFL came during what would be considered mediocre seasons by Miami standards. During the 14-year streak of producing first-round NFL Draft picks the only seasons Miami had at least 10 wins were from 2000-2003.