Evaluators Weigh In on Miami Hurricanes’ Prospects as Teams Convene for UM Pro Day
The University of Miami’s annual Pro Day is a major event for NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers looking to evaluate the Hurricanes’ top draft prospects. With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, this year’s Pro Day held significant weight for players looking to elevate their stock. Miami has long been a pipeline to the NFL, and several prospects entered this showcase with the hopes of impressing teams enough to solidify their draft positioning.
From rising stars to players trying to prove themselves, Pro Day was a mixed bag of strong performances and some disappointing showings. Evaluators took a close look at how Miami’s best prospects fared, assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and overall draft outlooks as teams convened to analyze the talent on display.
Standout Performances at Pro Day
Cam Ward – QB
Quarterback Cam Ward was the headliner of the event, and he did not disappoint. Entering the Pro Day with first-round aspirations, Ward delivered a performance that solidified his place among the top signal-callers in the 2025 draft class.
His workout featured an impressive array of deep throws, pinpoint accuracy on intermediate routes, and fluid movement within the pocket. One of his biggest highlights was a 65-yard bomb that showed off his effortless arm strength, drawing audible reactions from scouts in attendance.
“Ward looked the part of an NFL quarterback today,” one AFC scout noted. “He’s got the arm talent, the poise, and the ability to make off-platform throws. He helped himself today.”
While Ward still faces competition from top quarterbacks in the draft class, his Pro Day showing reaffirmed his status as a potential first-round pick.
Leonard Taylor III – DT
Defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III was another standout performer. Measuring in at 6’4”, 305 pounds, Taylor displayed his elite athleticism with a strong showing in agility drills and positional workouts. He also put up impressive numbers in the bench press, showcasing the strength that makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen.
“Taylor is explosive off the line and has the kind of power that translates to the NFL,” said a defensive line coach in attendance. “I could see him going in the first round if he lands with the right team.”
Taylor’s combination of size, speed, and power makes him one of the top interior defensive linemen in this year’s draft.
James Williams – S
At 6’5”, 220 pounds, safety James Williams is a unique prospect with a rare blend of size and speed. He performed well in the 40-yard dash, posting an unofficial time in the 4.4-second range, and looked smooth in coverage drills. His ability to play both in the box and deep in coverage makes him an intriguing chess piece for NFL defenses.
“Williams is one of those guys who can be a Swiss Army knife in the secondary,” an NFC defensive coordinator said. “His size and range give him an edge, but he still needs to clean up some of his decision-making.”
Williams’ stock is hovering around the second or third round, but his Pro Day could push him higher on draft boards.
Players Who Struggled to Impress
Xavier Restrepo – WR
While many expected Xavier Restrepo to use Pro Day as a springboard for his draft stock, his performance left evaluators with more questions than answers. His 40-yard dash time was slower than anticipated, clocking in at 4.63 seconds, which raised concerns about his ability to separate at the next level.
Additionally, Restrepo had several uncharacteristic drops during catching drills, further dampening his stock. While he remains a polished route-runner with strong game tape, his athletic limitations were on full display.
“He’s a high-effort guy with great instincts, but this wasn’t the performance he needed,” a scout remarked. “It’s tough to justify taking a receiver early if he lacks elite speed and struggles with consistency.”
Restrepo now faces an uphill battle in the pre-draft process, with some evaluators projecting him as a late-round pick or priority undrafted free agent.
Zion Nelson – OT
Zion Nelson, once projected as a potential early-round offensive tackle, failed to generate much excitement with his Pro Day performance. His athletic testing numbers were average, and his movement in drills lacked the quickness scouts hoped to see.
“Nelson has the length and size you want in a tackle, but he still needs to refine his technique,” said an offensive line coach. “Teams will have to decide if they’re willing to invest time in his development.”
Nelson’s draft stock remains uncertain, with most analysts now projecting him as a mid-to-late-round prospect.
NFL Teams Taking Notice
Multiple NFL teams sent high-ranking personnel to Miami’s Pro Day, signaling interest in several of the Hurricanes’ top prospects. The New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and Pittsburgh Steelers were among the most engaged teams, with some scouts spending extra time speaking with Miami’s coaching staff.
For players like Cam Ward and Leonard Taylor III, the presence of high-profile teams could indicate serious first-round interest. Meanwhile, others like Xavier Restrepo will likely need strong pre-draft meetings and private workouts to rebuild their stock.
“It’s all about fit,” one general manager explained. “A great Pro Day doesn’t guarantee anything, but it can help solidify what we already know about a player. For some guys, it’s a chance to reassure teams. For others, it can raise red flags.”
What Comes Next?
With Pro Day in the books, Miami’s prospects will now turn their attention to team visits, individual workouts, and the final stretch of the pre-draft process. Each player’s journey will be different, but the lessons from Pro Day will be critical in shaping their draft outcomes.
For players like Cam Ward and Leonard Taylor III, the goal will be to maintain their momentum and continue impressing teams in interviews and private workouts. For Xavier Restrepo and Zion Nelson, they will need to find ways to address concerns and prove they belong at the next level.
Miami’s Pro Day featured a mix of highs and lows, with some prospects solidifying their draft positions while others left evaluators with lingering questions.
- Biggest Winner: Cam Ward – His performance reinforced his first-round potential and showcased his ability to lead an NFL offense.
- Biggest Surprise: Leonard Taylor III – While already highly regarded, his explosive Pro Day may have cemented his status as a top-20 pick.
- Biggest Concern: Xavier Restrepo – His athletic testing and inconsistencies in drills raised doubts about his ability to thrive in the NFL.
With the 2025 NFL Draft drawing closer, all eyes will be on these prospects to see how they navigate the final stages of the draft process. Pro Day was just one step in the journey, but for some, it could be the defining moment that shapes their NFL futures.
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