In the latest version of his NFL Draft projections, Bleacher/Report NFL analyst Matt Miller has Miami Hurricanes underclassmen QB Brad Kaaya and TE David Njoku slated as 2nd round picks.

In the predictions, Miller has Njoku going 42nd overall to Buffalo and Kaaya going 43rd overall to New Orleans.

It may be a bit of home cooking, but I don’t think Njoku lasts until #42. He’s going to test off the charts at the NFL combine, and I think his stock is going to skyrocket. Miller has Njoku as the #2 TE drafted, which I think is fair, but he’s going to get picked before 42nd overall.

As for Kaaya, New Orleans is a great fit. Head Coach Sean Payton is a known QB guru who leans on his signal callers to make things happen. Kaaya could go to the Saints, sit for a year (or 2?) behind Drew Brees before taking over as the starter. It’s not #2 overall as was projected for him prior to the season, but there are much worse positions Kaaya could be in than New Orleans.

As for other Canes projected to be taken by Miller, here’s the list:

• CB Corn Elder (3rd round, #66 overall) to the San Francisco 49ers.
• WR Stacy Coley (5th round; #163 overall) to the Tennessee Titans.
• RB Joe Yearby (6th round; #216 overall) to the Kansas City Chiefs.

I think guys like Rayshawn Jenkins, Jamal Carter, and even Danny Isidora have a chance to be drafted if they show well at their post-season showcase games and Pro Day. It’s clear that Njoku, Kaaya — who has yet to declare — and Elder are the top 3 NFL draft prospects for Miami this year.

Agree with Miller’s projections? Disagree? Hope your team takes (insert player here)? Let me know in the comments below.

Go Canes