Miami’s Stevenson, Mallory anxiously await NFL Draft. UM journeys ’100 percent worth it’
Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who grew up in Florida City watching his hometown Hurricanes, insists he never doubted his decision to transfer from the University of Georgia to Miami, despite the Bulldogs winning the national championship both seasons he played at UM.
“It wasn’t strange,’’ said Stevenson, projected to be picked as high as the second round in the three-day NFL Draft that begins Thursday in Kansas City, Missouri. “No second thoughts. You can ask some of the guys. When I first got here I voiced that Georgia was going to be one of the top programs in the nation. But No hard feelings. No regrets. No anything. ...At the end of the day, I still made the right decision for me and my family.’’
Will Mallory, likely a third-day draft pick, also believes he made the right decision to come to UM when he was rated by ESPN the nation’s No. 3 tight end prospect at Jacksonville Providence School — even after spending his first few years behind current Houston Texan Brevin Jordan and enduring a sometimes painful journey that included surgeries on separate shoulders to repair torn labrums in different seasons.
“I wish the season had gone differently,’’ Mallory reflected of UM’s 5-7 finish in 2022 during a phone interview with the Miami Herald. “But my five years at Miami, I wouldn’t change a thing. I loved it, felt like I learned a lot and grew as a person and player. It was 100-percent worth it.’’
The expected picks of Stevenson and Mallory should make the draft less stressful for the UM program as a whole after the Hurricanes waited last year until the 13th pick of the seventh and final round to hear the name of a Cane being taken. The selection of defensive tackle Jonathan Ford to the Green Bay Packers ensured that UM has had at least one player taken in each draft since 1975 — 48 consecutive drafts.
And this year, there could be more than Stevenson and Mallory, though for the most part that’s unlikely. Cornerback DJ Ivey could hear his name on the final day. Others hoping for the dream call: Edge rusher MItchell Agude, punter Lou Hedley, linebacker DJ Scaife and linebacker Caleb Johnson. Offensive lineman Justice Oluwaseun and defensive lineman Antonio Moultrie also competed at UM’s Pro Day and should at minimum get post-draft deals or be invited to rookie camps.
Projections
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Stevenson ranked the 10th-best corner in the draft, with Matt Miller projecting him 83rd overall (third round) — the 20th pick of the third round — to the Seattle Seahawks, one pick before the Miami Dolphins. In a recent mock draft in which Kiper and fellow analyst Todd McShay alternated picks, McShay chose Stevenson in the second round with the 46th overall pick.
Kiper has Mallory the 10th-best tight end in the draft. Miller rated him the 12th-best tight end and 193rd overall pick to the Washington Commanders in the sixth round.
“Mallory came in a little light — 239 pounds — but he ran the fastest 40-yard dash [4.54 seconds] of any of the tight ends in Indianapolis and also surprised some scouts with a 36.5-inch vertical,’’ Kiper said after the NFL Combine. “Those are outstanding numbers for the veteran... He improved every season at Miami, even with erratic quarterback play, catching 42 passes for 538 yards [and three touchdowns] last season. In a great tight end class, Mallory had been a little lost in the shuffle. ...Now he’s moving up a bit, and I could see him going in Round 4 or 5.’’
Stevenson
Stevenson, 6-0 and 197 pounds March 27 at UM Pro Day, is a big-bodied, physical player who blankets receivers in man defense. Last season he finished with 25 tackles, 1 1/2 tackles for loss, two interceptions and a team-leading seven pass breakups. He is being projected as a nickelback and even queried by NFL teams about playing safety.
“For every team out there: I really don’t have no problem,’’ Stevenson said of switching to safety. “I just want the opportunity to showcase my talent.’’
Which round would make Stevenson happy?
“Honestly, I’m over that,’’ he said. “I really don’t have no preference. I’ve just been putting in work for so long and playing football forever. I just love the game... Whatever opportunity I’m blessed with... once I’m in the door I’m going to give it my all.’’
Stevenson will spend draft weekend “right here in Miami with my family.’’
“They’re the ones who have seen the real road, the holes in the road, my ups and downs. They’ve seen the moments I wanted to quit. They’ve seen everything. Me spending it with them is going to be a big tribute just for how dedicated they stayed to me.’’
Mallory
Mallory, 6-4 1/2 and now 245 pounds, is smart, has soft hands and has proven he’s a lot faster than many thought he looked. He also wanted to prove he can block, and his performance at the Senior Bowl had him rated sixth best overall by Pro Football Focus.
“I’m just curious where I’m gonna go and when I’m gonna go,’’ he said, conceding that waiting for a draft-day phone call will likely be nerve-racking. “I guess I’m just trying not to get too caught up in worrying because the opportunity is the most important thing. Just get an opportunity to get in a building and try to make a good impression.’’
Added Mallory with a laugh: “The earlier the better.’’
Like Stevenson, Mallory will be with his family this weekend at home in Jacksonville’s Atlantic Beach. When he daydreams about being picked, he said he gets emotional thinking of relatives “coming down from Michigan and a lot of my buddies and stuff and close friends and family being there for me.’’
“I think it would be a really cool moment for all of us to share together.’’
This story was originally published April 26, 2023 at 12:00 PM.
