Thirteen years and counting…

The Miami Hurricanes are coming off a three decade low, going 5-7 in 2007 – but the million dollar question pertains to the NFL Draft. Will The U make it fourteen straight years with a first rounder?

You have to dig all the way back to 1994 to find a Draft where a Cane wasn’t taken in the first round. Donnell Bennett was the first Cane chosen that season; #58 overall to Kansas City.

Since then, smooth sailing and a jaw dropping THIRTY TWO first rounders over a thirteen year span. For those who forgot, the list goes as follows:

Warren Sapp (1995), Ray Lewis (1996), Yatil Green (1997), Kernard Lang (1997), Kenny Holmes (1997), Duane Starks (1998), Edgerrin James (1999), Bubba Franks (2000), Dan Morgan (2001), Damione Lewis (2001), Santana Moss (2001), Reggie Wayne (2001), Bryant McKinnie (2002), Jeremy Shockey (2002), Philip Buchanon (2002), Ed Reed (2002), Mike Rumph (2002), Andre Johnson (2003), Jerome McDougle (2003), Willis McGahee (2003), William Joseph (2003), Sean Taylor (2004), Kellen Winslow II (2004), Jon Vilma (2004), D.J. Williams (2004), Vernon Carey (2004), Vince Wilfork (2004), Antrel Rolle (2005), Kelly Jennings (2006), Brandon Meriweather (2007), Jon Beason (2007) and Greg Olsen (2007).

Absolutely mindboggling. Especially that early 00s stretch where Miami had six first rounders in 2004, preceded by four in 2003, five in 2002 and four in 2001.

The Canes have slipped as a program the past few years, but NFL GMs and coaching staffs still flock to Coral Gables for Pro Day in the spring and certainly pay attention when a new crop of kids from The U are headed to play at the next level.

In 2007, Miami was fresh off a 7-6 season, the streak was rumored to be in doubt and the Canes sent three first rounders to the League.

Will we see the same in 2008?

Miami has two potential first rounders this year – defensive end Calais Campbell and safety Kenny Phillips. Both have big time NFL size, speed and potential – but neither matched the success of their predecessors or all time great Canes.

Campbell blew it up in 2006, but struggled at times in 2007 due to being double teamed or sloppy technique. A sub par combine didn’t exactly help his cause either.

Phillps was a constant for the Canes since his freshman season in 2005. There have been some big plays, big time hits and respect shown to his side of the field by opposing offenses. That said, Phillps never drew the ‘Reed’ or ‘Taylor’ comparisons many expected when he chose The U over Tennessee three years ago.

Today’s Draft will be about respect for the Miami program, the Canes legacy and the reputation kids from The U have in the NFL. If you played your college ball in Coral Gables, it’s a safe bet NFL teams know what kind of hard working, ass kicking kids are going to have an impact on their franchise.

I’ve read a lot of negative articles this past week about ‘The Streak’ potentially coming to an end.Will UM’s Draft Streak Continue?… First Round Knockout For Miami?… Hurricanes’ Draft Streak In Danger….

And these were all from LOCAL columnists.

Whatever happened to the benefit of the doubt and saving a headline like that for tomorrow morning IF the streak ends? Or how about celebrating the history of the past 13 years and profiling each of the THIRTY TWO kids Miami sent in the first round during that span?

We’re a few hours away from Draft time and my gut tells me the streak continues. I’m not sure if that means Campbell, Phillips or both go in the first round – but somebody’s going. There are teams at the bottom half of this Draft who could absolutely use some defensive help. Philadelphia. Washington. Jacksonville. New York (Giants).

Campbell and Phillips both have NFL physiques. Campbell is an imposing 6’8″ and 280 lbs while Phillips is measuring in around 6’2″ and 210 lbs. Both were highly touted coming out of high school and both spent their collegiate careers going up against big time talent day in and day out at Greentree.

The Canes have had 19 players selected in the NFL Draft since Campbell and Phillips arrived at The U – and after today, that number will be around two dozen. That number pales in comparison to the 28 draft picks the Canes sported the three seasons prior to 2005 — but even when depleted, Miami is still head and shoulders above most programs. You don’t question the battles won on The U’s practice field. Those battles help shape and mold future NFLers.

We’ll see how today plays out, but I’ll side with history. My non-conservative prediction has Campbell and Phillips going in the first, but for the sake of not being a bleeding heart, I’ll say one late first rounder extends the streak to fourteen years. KP to the Giants is your best bet.

Tune in and find out within the next few hours.

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