Two Miami Hurricanes and Rhett Lashlee protege NFL Draft steals

In an article by Dan Wolken published by USA Today three of the “Eleven overlooked players who could be NFL draft steals” have ties to the Miami Hurricanes.

The Miami Hurricanes are not expected to have any players selected until the final day of the NFL Draft on Saturday when rounds four through seven are conducted. In an article published by Dan Wolken of USA Today on Sunday, two former Miami Hurricanes and a Rhett Lashlee protege could be among the steals.

Wolken included Miami defensive end Jonathan Garvin and cornerback Trajan Bandy and SMU wide receiver James Proche among “Eleven overlooked players who could be NFL draft steals.”  Garvin underachieved in 2019 after a breakout season, Bandy was the leader of the secondary for Miami in 2019.

Proche played the last two seasons in the Rhett Lashlee offense. Lashlee left SMU after two seasons running a prolific offense to become the new offensive coordinator at Miami. The hope is for Lashlee to turn what has been mostly a moribund Miami receiving corps into breakout performers like Proche was for SMU.

Garvin had a disappointing 2019 season after leading Miami Hurricanes defensive linemen with 60 tackles in 2018 and recording17 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and five pass breakups. Garvin’s numbers fell to 37 tackles, nine TFLs and five sacks in 2018. Garvin has often been questioned for his level of effort in college.

"DE – Jonathan Garvin, Miami All the upside is there for him as a big-time edge rusher, and if Garvin can improve his body and effort level there’s no doubt he will be a top-level defensive end.Critics will note that Garvin doesn’t necessarily get a ton of sacks — he had 5.5 in 2018 and five in 2019 — but he’s got such great range as an athlete that some team is going to be willing to invest in his development and eventually be rewarded for it.Garvin ran a 4.82 at the combine and recorded a 36-inch vertical jump, which was the best of any defensive lineman. He won’t be a second-round draft pick but he should be."

Although Garvin lacked the sacks production he has proven the ability to get in opponents backfield with the 17 TFLs in 2018. Where Garvin is selected in the draft will likely come down to scouts and NFL teams judging his talent versus his effort. He could go as high as the fourth round or as late as the seventh.

Bandy has been knocked because of his stature at a reported 5’8. There is some thought that Bandy might not get drafted. It seems more likely he would be selected between the fifth and seventh rounds. Wolken questioned some of the play Bandy had in 2019 but did not completely blame him.

"“DB – Trajan Bandy, MiamiThe downside here is obvious. Not only is he pretty small for a cornerback at 5-foot-8, but he was criticized at Miami for lack of discipline in coverage and inconsistent tackling. Because of those issues, Bandy may not get drafted.However, his impact on a couple very good defenses at Miami is imprinted into my mind, as is the image of him strutting around with the Hurricanes’ famous turnover chain quite often in 2018 when he had three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.Bandy didn’t have a great junior year, but the entire situation at Miami was kind of dysfunctional.”"

Proche was a prolific receiver at SMU, particularly in 2018 and ’19 in the Lashlee offense. In 2018 and ’19, Proche combined for 204 receptions for 2,424 yards and 27 touchdowns. Proche tied for the national lead in 2019 with 111 receptions with Justin Jefferson of LSU. Proche was 13th in receiving yards and fourth in TDs.

The numbers that Proche put up the last two seasons should have Miami Hurricanes fans excited about the possibilities that the new offense can do with the talent currently on the roster. Proche having a successful career in the NFL could help Lashlee on the recruiting trail. Wolken likes the production Proche has shown.

"WR – James Proche, SMUMost mock drafts have 20 or more receivers rated ahead of Proche, which is just crazy. Watch the tape, folks. It’s true that Proche is on the small side at 5-11, 201 pounds and won’t wow anyone running a 40-yard dash.But unless you’re talking about a surefire star, give me a receiver with incredible hands and feet over a raw freak athlete any day.Proche’s ratio of highlight catches among his 111 receptions last year at SMU was off the charts because of the way he was able to track the football, make adjustments and win 50-50 battles, often catching the ball with just one hand or being able to tip-toe the sideline.Someone with the coordination and the instincts of Proche is well worth the gamble, even if the physical attributes aren’t elite."

Miami might not have a dominant receiver like Proche was for SMU in 2019. The two players to watch in Lashlee’s offense with the Hurricanes in 2020 catching the ball are senior wide receiver Mike Harley and junior tight end Brevin Jordan. Harley and Jordan are both capable of big numbers this fall.

If the Lashlee offense reaches what the output is expected to be, Jordan should be a first-round pick in 2020 and Harley could have the capability of being a mid-round draft pick. Because of what Lashlee has achieved with the offenses he has run in the past, Miami should increase their yardage and scoring in 2020.