The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the CFP First Round: Miami at Texas A&M.
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE
Bain is from Miami and decided to stay in the city to play for the Hurricanes. As a true freshman, he had 44 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He was injured and only played nine games, but saw a dip in production in 2024 with 23 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. This season, his presence made an impact more than the boxscore would indicate, but he has 37 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, Bain has excellent size for an NFL edge rusher with a filled-out frame. He has good burst at the snap, nice pass rush moves and athleticism. Bain can develop his counter moves and set the edge better against the run. His dip in production this season doesn’t tell the full story, but it will be concerning for some teams.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Francis Mauigoa, OT
Mauigoa was a big-time recruit who joined Miami in 2023. He started at right tackle as a true freshman and was a Freshman All-American. Mauigoa helped an explosive offense in 2024 and was named Second Team All-ACC for his play. This season, he has been consistent at his right tackle spot and was a First Team All-ACC selection.
He has good size for an NFL offensive tackle, standing 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds. Mauigoa has good strength, which shows up in the run game, as he can move people to clear holes. He can also anchor in pass pro. He isn’t the most athletic tackle and may be a better fit on the interior, but has enough potential to try him at right tackle first.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: EDGE Akheem Mesidor (2nd-4th), QB Carson Beck (3rd-5th), WR CJ Daniels (4th-6th), CB Keonte Scott (4th-6th), RB Mark Fletcher (6th-UFA), EDGE Malik Bryant (UFA), CB Damari Brown (UFA), LB Wesley Bissainthe, IOL James Brockermeyer (UFA), DL David Blay (UFA), LB Mohamed Toure (UFA)
Cashius Howell, EDGE
Howell started his college career at Bowling Green. He redshirted in 2021, then tallied 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2022. The 2023 season saw him have a huge jump in production, as he totaled 10.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He used his good season to transfer to Texas A&M for the 2024 season. He was a rotational player in 2024, but still finished with 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. This season has been the best of his career, as he has 14 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds, Howell is smaller than the average NFL pass rusher. He has good burst at the snap and is flexibile enough to bend around the edge. Howell lacks length and can struggle to help defend the run. His play has really improved his stock this season and he has the sack production to warrant it.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Kevin Concepcion, WR
Concepcion played the first two years of his college ball at NC State. He had a breakout freshman season with 71 catches for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns. His sophomore season wasn’t as productive, as he had 53 catches for 460 yards and six touchdowns. He transferred to Texas A&M in 2025 and has helped open up the offense a bit. Concepcion has 57 catches for 886 yards and nine touchdowns on the season.
He stands at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, which below average size for an NFL receiver. He has good speed to push the field vertically, but also has the ability to run after the catch. He needs to increase his play strength for the next level. Concepcion can be an explosive piece for an NFL offense.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: IOL Chase Bisontis (2nd-4th), CB Will Lee III (2nd-4th), LB Taurean York (3rd-5th), OT Dametrious Crownover (4th-6th), RB Le’Veon Moss (6th-UFA), OT Trey Zuhn III (6th-UFA), S Dalton Brooks (6th-UFA), IOL Armaj Reed-Adams (6th-UFA), TE Theo Melin Ohrstrohm (6th-UFA), DL Albert Regis (6th-UFA), CB Tyreek Chappell (UFA), DL DJ Hicks (UFA), RB Rueben Owens (UFA), P Tyler White (UFA), S Marcus Ratcliffe (UFA), DL Tyler Onyedim (UFA)
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