The Miami Hurricanes have long served as a pipeline to the NFL, producing elite talent that continues to make an impact at the next level. In the 2025 NFL Draft, several former Hurricanes found new homes, and for the offensive rookies in particular, the question now becomes how quickly they can carve out meaningful roles on their respective teams. From first-round picks to undrafted free agents, these young prospects each have unique paths to playing time—paths shaped by team need, fit, depth charts, and opportunity. As training camp nears, the outlook for Miami’s offensive rookies is beginning to take shape.
Among the most highly anticipated arrivals is wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, a reliable playmaker who was drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots. Known for his crisp route-running, dependable hands, and football IQ, Restrepo steps into a Patriots offense that has lacked identity in recent years. With a wide receiver room in flux, including injury-prone veterans and unproven young talent, Restrepo will have every chance to win immediate snaps out of the slot. New England’s lack of a true go-to target and their transition to a new offensive system under a young quarterback gives Restrepo a real shot at being a consistent part of the weekly game plan. He’s unlikely to unseat more explosive athletes outside, but his ability to move the chains and serve as a quarterback’s safety valve is exactly what the Patriots need. Barring injury, Restrepo may start the season as a WR3 but could easily climb higher based on chemistry and reliability.
Running back Henry Parrish Jr., meanwhile, took a less direct route to the league but finds himself in an interesting position after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Though not drafted, Parrish lands in a relatively shallow backfield behind Rachaad White, who handled a heavy workload in 2024. The Buccaneers may look to balance their offense more this season, and with White’s efficiency questioned in certain matchups, there’s room for a change-of-pace back to emerge. Parrish showed solid vision and pass-catching ability during his time at Miami, traits that could earn him valuable third-down work. While he’ll need to prove himself on special teams to secure a roster spot, the door to touches is far from closed. If injuries strike or White struggles, Parrish could surprise and make a midseason push for touches in a complementary role.
Tight end Elijah Arroyo is another Hurricane trying to make a name for himself, landing with the Indianapolis Colts as a Day 3 pick. The Colts have shown a willingness to feature athletic tight ends, especially with young quarterback Anthony Richardson still developing. While Jelani Woods remains the presumed starter, his injury history and the team’s frequent use of two-tight-end sets make Arroyo’s presence more than just depth. Arroyo’s versatility as both a blocker and receiver may allow him to operate in different packages early in the season. He has the frame and physicality to be a red-zone weapon and could earn snaps in 12 personnel groupings. His path may be slower compared to others, but the opportunity to learn and grow in a young offense while picking up spot snaps is certainly there.
Offensive lineman Javion Cohen, drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round, may have one of the clearest paths to early playing time among former Canes. Arizona’s offensive line has been in transition, and the team spent the offseason reshuffling their interior to protect franchise quarterback Kyler Murray. Cohen brings SEC and ACC battle-tested toughness, having started at Alabama before transferring to Miami. His versatility to play both guard spots and even swing out in emergency situations gives him tremendous value. While he may not be handed a starting role in Week 1, injuries or underperformance ahead of him could lead to an early call-up. His style of play and ability to finish blocks fits the Cardinals’ desire to be more physical in the trenches. Don’t be surprised if Cohen is a full-time starter by midseason.
Wide receiver Colbie Young also finds himself in a competitive environment, joining the Seattle Seahawks as a late-round selection. Seattle already boasts a trio of capable receivers in DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, making the climb up the depth chart a steep one. But Young brings a different profile—a tall, physical outside target who can win 50-50 balls and contribute in the red zone. His size and catch radius give him a chance to make the team as a specialist, and his physicality might earn him looks on special teams. The Seahawks are known for taking developmental chances on late-round picks, and Young will need to impress quickly in camp to stick. His best chance for playing time may come later in the year, especially if Seattle opts to rest veterans or if injuries shake up the lineup.
Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, once a potential first-rounder before his stock slid, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings. Though he won’t be expected to challenge for the starting role early on—especially with Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy ahead of him—Van Dyke enters a situation where long-term opportunity could eventually materialize. Minnesota has made it clear that McCarthy is the future, but Van Dyke’s arm strength and pro-style background offer value as a developmental third option. If he performs well in the preseason, he could earn a spot on the practice squad or even push for the QB2 job if McCarthy is brought along slowly. While immediate playing time is unlikely, the door isn’t closed—particularly if injuries hit the depth chart.
Running back Don Chaney Jr. also entered the league as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons, led by Bijan Robinson, have an entrenched lead back and a promising RB2 in Tyler Allgeier. That said, Chaney has an opportunity to show his worth as a depth piece and possible special teams contributor. Chaney’s running style—physical, downhill, and no-nonsense—could help him stand out during preseason action. Atlanta has typically kept multiple backs on the roster and values ball security, something Chaney has shown proficiency with. His route to playing time is probably the narrowest of the Miami rookies, but with an impressive camp and a strong showing in preseason games, a practice squad role or even a surprise RB3 spot is possible.
Lastly, offensive tackle Jalen Rivers heads to the Chicago Bears as a late-round pick looking to fortify a line that’s been in flux for years. The Bears invested heavily in protecting Caleb Williams, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued the unit. Rivers, with his long frame and natural footwork, brings upside as a swing tackle. He’ll likely begin his career as a depth piece, but Chicago’s struggles in pass protection last season suggest that depth could quickly be tested. Rivers will need to show he can handle NFL speed off the edge, but if he develops quickly, a rotational or spot-start role is not out of the question in 2025.
All told, the offensive rookies from Miami find themselves in varying circumstances across the NFL landscape. Some, like Restrepo and Cohen, are positioned to contribute immediately, either through situational roles or battles for starting jobs. Others, like Arroyo and Van Dyke, are being groomed more slowly but still have the traits to stick and grow. Even the undrafted trio—Parrish, Chaney, and Van Dyke—enters camps where depth charts are fluid, injuries are inevitable, and performance can outweigh pedigree. If there’s one thing history has shown, it’s that Hurricanes players tend to outplay their draft status when given the chance.
The NFL journey for these rookies is just beginning, but the foundation laid in Coral Gables is clear in their work ethic, physicality, and mental approach. Whether on the field in Week 1 or carving out roles as the season unfolds, expect at least a few of Miami’s offensive rookies to make their mark before long. Their paths may differ, but the opportunity is there—and Hurricanes have never been afraid to seize it.