Miami didn’t have a player taken on the first days of the 2022 NFL Draft, but that’s expected to change in a big way next season.

The Hurricanes have a pair of blue-chip NFL prospects on their roster going into the 2022 season. Both quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and offensive lineman Zion Nelson landed in the top 10 of CBS’ way-too-early 2023 mock.

Nelson is the first Hurricane off the board, currently projected to go No. 4 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Here’s some analysis from CBS’ Chris Trapasso:

“Nelson isn’t currently projected to go this high, but the first-round traits have flashed often in his Miami career. This pick assumes he takes a sizable step with his consistency in 2022.”

Listed at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Nelson is a big reason why there’s optimism about the Canes’ offensive line improving in 2022. He was All-ACC honorable mention last season.

Van Dyke follows shortly thereafter, going at No. 7 to the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has been looking for a franchise quarterback since parting ways with Cam Newton.

Here’s Trapasso’s thoughts on Van Dyke:

“Van Dyke has a cannon for an arm and a gunslinger mentality. The Panthers have to address quarterback early. No question about it.”

Van Dyke, along with Ohio State’s CJ Stroud and Alabama’s Bryce Young, is expected to be a key part of a strong quarterback class next cycle. There’s also hype building for Kentucky quarterback Will Levis.

Miami opens the season vs. Bethune-Cookman.