Matt Miller of ESPN projects Miami quarterback Carson Beck and defensive back Keionte Scott to be selected in the second round and left tackle Markel Bell in the third round on the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday night in Pittsburgh.
Offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa and defensive linemen Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor became the first trio of Miami teammates selected in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2007 on Thursday. Miami has not had six players selected in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft since 2006.
Miller projects Miami quarterback Carson Beck off the board quickly with the 34th overall pick, the second in the second round to the Arizona Cardinals, has Scott 59th overall, in the second round to the Houston Texans and Bell 90th overall to the San Francisco 49ers in the third round.
Miller stated that Beck 34th overall to Arizona would be a reach based on his pre-draft rankings, but the Cardinals need to take chances to find a capable starting QB. Arizona is in QB purgatory per Miller. Beck's play in the College Football Playoff changed his projections per Miller.
"59. Houston TexansMatt Miller, ESPN
Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
There is no better blitzing cornerback in this draft than Scott, and he might be one of the NFL's best as soon as he puts on a Texans helmet. He also has 4.33 speed at 5-foot-11 and 191 pounds, making him an option to play inside or outside in the NFL."
Keionte Scott's versatility
The versatility of Scott with whatever team drafts him should allow him to be an immediate contributor in the NFL. Scott's versatility was illustrated in his only season playing for Miami with 64 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns, five passes defended, two forced fumbles and recoveries.
At 6'9 and 340 pounds Bell is one of the biggest players in the 2026 NFL Draft and in the NFL entering this season. In two seasons with Miami, Bell played in 28 games with 21 starts, protecting the blind side for 2025 NFL number one overall pick Cam Ward and Beck.
It is not a coincidence that Miami will likely have two offensive linemen and two defensive linemen selected in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, plus Beck and Scott. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal has emphasized the OL primarily through signing high school prospects and adding experienced transfer QBs.
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