Miami Hurricanes Football: How the NFL Draft Will Affect the Team

With the NFL draft quickly approaching, it is always interesting to see which Miami Hurricanes will choose to throw their name into the pot of potential pros.  The option to stick around another year is often overshadowed by the chance to earn big money. 

So far junior DT Marcus Forston and junior WR Tommy Streeter have decided to play in the big leagues.  Both have signed with controversial agent and former UM alum, Drew Rosenhaus.  It now seems only a matter of time before stud RB Lamar Miller chooses to bolt as well.

With the loss of Streeter and Forston, as well as graduating seniors Sean Spence and Jacory Harris, Miami should appeal much more to potential recruits.  The chance to come in and play as a freshman couldn't be bigger.

Streeter, Spence, Forston and Harris were all a part of the famed 2008 recruiting class.  All attended Miami Northwestern together and it seems they will all depart together.  Almost all of the Randy Shannon era has fizzled away.

Despite any looming sanctions that Miami may receive, Golden has hit the recruiting trail hard.  At the moment, he has managed to string together a top-ten recruiting class and there is no doubt that Miami is still appealing. 

Aside from the rich tradition and history that UM has to offer, year after year, no matter what the team's record is at the end of the season, Miami continues to pump guys into the league.  There is no doubt that the "U" remains a pipeline to the NFL.   

While the draft will come and swoop a couple of 'Canes away from Coral Gables, now is the time for head coach Al Golden to officially begin building his team—a team with his own players.  It is time for him to gain some much needed depth at numerous positions.   

We must sit back and watch Golden work his magic.  As fans, we have heard about the great recruiter that he is—now the time has come to see it.  Bring in guys that want to be 'Canes, guys who will play with that chip on their shoulder.

Miami has depth at running back and offensive line, but a lot of younger guys will now have a chance to contribute early.

As much as it hurts to lose guys like Spence and Streeter, one cannot have any ill-will towards their decisions.  After all, they are a part of the Miami family—a family that prides itself on being close-knit.  The time has come to cheer for them on Sundays and smile when they mention the "U."  

The "touchdown streak" has officially ended, but Miami will only continue to give the NFL more players—ones who will be a part of starting the streak all over again.