Mario Cristobal ends Miami drought with three 1st round picks in 2026 NFL Draft

Miami had three players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft for the first time since 2007. Right tackle Francis Mauigoa was selected 10th overall by the New York Giants and defensive linemen Rueben Bain went 15th to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Akheem Mesidor 22nd to the Los Angeles Chargers.

In 2007, safety Brandon Meriweather was selected 24th overall by the New England Patriots, linebacker Jon Beason went 25th to the Carolina Panthers, and tight end Greg Olsen 31st to the Chicago Bears. Multiple first-round picks should become more common under Miami head coach Mario Cristobal.

Cornerback O.J. Frederique is 12th and defensive tackle Justin Scott 20th on the 2027 NFL Mock Draft Database Big Board. Edge rusher Damon Wilson II is 37th on the 2027 NFL Mock Draft Database big board and running back Mark Fletcher Jr. 48th as prospects who can develop into first-round picks.

ESPN projects Francis Mauigoa as the Giants' starting right guard in 2026. That would be a position change for Mauigoa from right tackle. Mauigoa is the fifth player from Miami to be a first-round pick by the Giants in the NFL Draft.

The ESPN depth chart for Tampa Bay projects Bain as the starting weakside linebacker in their 3-4 system. Bain never played LB for Miami and was a defensive lineman as a high school prospect when he signed with Miami in the 2022 class.

Mesidor, who has also been a DL throughout his collegiate career, is listed as the backup strong side LB to three-time first-team All-Pro and one-time second-team All-Pro Khalil Mack. With Mack entering his 13th season in the NFL, Mesidor should receive significant snaps as a rookie.

Miami finished second with Mauigoa, Bain and Mesidor being selected in the first round. Ohio State, who Miami eliminated from the College Football Playoff 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl, had more 2026 NFL First Round picks with four selections.

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