The Miami Hurricanes’ season ended with heartbreak despite exceeding expectations. As national championship runners-up, Miami faces a major offseason overhaul. Quarterback Carson Beck and the team’s top three defensive players are expected to declare for the NFL Draft, creating significant roster holes.
Cornerback Keionte Scott headlines the departing players after one standout season with the Hurricanes.
Scott flourished in a unique role that should translate well to the NFL. His versatility makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class.
Scott’s athleticism defines his game
Scott’s profile centers on elite athleticism that defensive coordinators covet. He’ll likely run faster than a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. There’s a legitimate chance he threatens to break 4.30 seconds.
His speed combines with quick feet and elite burst. Scott played primarily in the slot and blitzed the quarterback more than almost any other defensive back in college football this season.
When he gets through unblocked on dropbacks, sacks typically follow.
Scott excels in zone coverage where his range and closing speed create problems for offenses. He processes the field well and can make additional plays on the ball when he reads the quarterback’s eyes.
His speed compensates for occasional technique lapses. Scott’s foot speed translates well to backpedaling and changing direction on horizontal routes.
Size limitations exist, but Scott tackles willingly and embraces run support. His athleticism creates splash play opportunities, including his pick-six against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff.
Limitations could affect his draft stock
Scott played single-digit snaps on the boundary in 2024 for good reason.
At 5’10”, 195 pounds, Scott plays with below-average size. He could weigh less at the Scouting Combine. His aggressiveness doesn’t translate particularly well in man coverage against bigger receivers.
| Man Coverage Grade | 77.7 |
| Zone Coverage Grade | 80.0 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Pass Breakups | 5 |
| Missed Tackle Rate | 20.3 |
| Passer Rating Against | 69.9 |
Scott plays aggressively but can border on reckless. This shows up most in his tackling. He throws himself toward ball carriers at high speed but missed 20.3% of his tackles in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus.
That mark never dropped below 14.5% during his college career. The consistency raises questions about his run defense, especially as a full-time slot defender.
Scott doesn’t project as a boundary corner in man coverage or one who wins with physicality at the line of scrimmage. His arm length measurements will be important given just 14 passes defended across four college seasons.
There’s variance in his ball skills. Exceeding expectations as a ball hawk would be critical for outplaying his projection.
Third-round projection with upside
Scott projects as a third-round pick due to his speed, processing and versatility.
Being an established pass-rushing threat from the slot is appealing. There’s upside in his run defense too, and his 2024 season showcased his best coverage skills.
In a zone-heavy scheme that allows him to create havoc in the backfield and intermediate zones, Scott can be an above-average starter. That requires refined tackling and better man coverage technique.
The ingredients are present for development.
Scott should be among the Hurricanes drafted in the top 100. It’s hard to see teams letting his playmaking ability fall past the middle of Day 3. His intelligence and tenacity help offset size concerns.
A strong pre-draft showing could push him higher. Scott is an opportunistic playmaker likely limited to the slot – a role that creative defensive coordinators could maximize in 2025.
