HBCU NFL Draft Prospects: A Comprehensive Overview

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long been a vital source of talent for the National Football League (NFL). In recent years, the NFL has increased its efforts to promote exposure and create a pipeline for players from these institutions. Events such as the HBCU Legacy Bowl and the NFL Combine at the Senior Bowl have become important platforms for HBCU athletes to showcase their skills and gain professional opportunities. This article delves into the top HBCU NFL draft prospects, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact at the next level.

The Rise of HBCU Talent

Since 2023, players from HBCUs have had increased opportunities to participate in prestigious All-Star football events, signaling a positive shift in recognizing and valuing their talent. Draft Diamonds, among other organizations, has been instrumental in advocating for a blueprint to showcase this talent, which has been met with overwhelmingly positive responses from NFL scouts.

The 2025 NFL Draft: Key HBCU Prospects

The 2025 NFL Draft saw significant representation from HBCUs, with several players being drafted and signed as undrafted free agents. Alabama A&M offensive lineman Carson Vinson was selected in the fifth round by the Ravens, marking a significant milestone. He became the highest-drafted HBCU player since Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (Fayetteville State) and Rams cornerback Cobie Durant (South Carolina State) were both selected in the fourth round of the 2022 draft.

Notable Draftees from HBCUs

Carson Vinson (Alabama A&M): An All-SWAC offensive lineman with impressive size and agility, Vinson is well-suited for the NFL. His measurements include an 84¾-inch wingspan and 35-inch arms, which are exceptional for a small-school tackle prospect. He was drafted as the 141st overall pick in the fifth round.
Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech via North Carolina A&T): Tuten, a dynamic running back with elite-level speed, was drafted as the 104th overall pick in the fourth round. He earned a remarkable 9.55 #RAS out of a possible 10.00, ranking him 95th out of 2106 running backs from 1987 to 2025.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Arizona via Alabama State): A fast and shifty running back, Croskey-Merritt was drafted as the 254th overall pick in the seventh round by the Commanders.

Undrafted Free Agent Signings

Several HBCU players secured undrafted free agent (UDFA) contracts, demonstrating the depth of talent within these institutions:

Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (Jackson State/Colorado): Signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kendall Bohler (Florida A&M): Signed with the Denver Broncos.
Joaquin Davis (NCCU): Expected to sign with the Denver Broncos.
Torricelli Simpkins (NCCU): Expected to sign with the New Orleans Saints.
Robert McDaniel (Jackson State): Signed with the Washington Commanders.
Aaron Smith (South Carolina State): Signed with the New York Jets.
Shilo Sanders (Jackson State/CU): Signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Devontae Davis (Jackson State/FAU): Signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
Kisean Johnson (Alabama State/Western Kentucky): Signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
Da'Quan Felton (Norfolk State/Virginia Tech): Signed with the New York Giants.
Jason Ivey (North Carolina A&T): Signed with the Cleveland Browns.

Rookie Minicamp Invitations

In addition to those signed, several players received invitations to rookie minicamps:

Quantez Mansfield (NCCU): Invited to the Minnesota Vikings minicamp.
Robert Jones III (Howard): Received invitations from the Chiefs and Vikings.
Xavier Robiou (Howard): Invited to the Washington Commanders minicamp.
Irv Mulligan (Jackson State): Invited to the New York Giants minicamp.
Myles Crawley (Grambling State): Invited to the New York Giants minicamp.
Seven McGee (Jackson State/Albany): Invited to the Atlanta Falcons minicamp.
Elijah Williams (Morgan State): Invited to the Minnesota Vikings minicamp.
KeShawn Toney (South Carolina State): Invited to the Cleveland Browns minicamp.
Jaden Sutton (Delaware State): Invited to the Washington Commanders minicamp.
Phillip Webb (Jackson State): Invited to the Miami Dolphins minicamp.
Travis Martin (Langston University): Invited to the Seattle Seahawks minicamp.

Spotlight on Standout Prospects from the HBCU Legacy Bowl

The HBCU Legacy Bowl is a crucial event for showcasing the talent of HBCU players to NFL scouts. The 2025 game was particularly successful, drawing representatives from all 32 NFL teams.

Key Performers at the Legacy Bowl

Several players distinguished themselves during the week of practice and in the game itself, significantly boosting their draft prospects:

James Burgess Jr. (DB): At 6-foot-2 3/4 with 30 1/4-inch arms, Burgess possesses excellent length. As the 2024 Aeneas Williams Award winner, he excels in press coverage, consistently disrupting receivers.
Irv Mulligan (RB, Jackson State): Mulligan, standing at 5-9 3/8 and weighing 198 pounds, impressed with his speed (4.58 40-yard dash) and exceptional first step. His ability to force missed tackles and contribute in the passing game makes him a versatile prospect.
Robert McDaniel (DB, Jackson State): McDaniel's versatility in the secondary, coupled with his athleticism and size (6-2 3/8, 213 pounds), makes him an attractive prospect as a nickel safety.
Elijah Williams (DE, Morgan State): Williams was the standout player throughout the week, solidifying his reputation with a sack in the game. His impressive production at Morgan State, with over 30 sacks and 50 tackles for loss, underscores his potential.

Honorable Mentions

Several other players also deserve recognition for their performances:

Isaac Anderson (DT, Virginia Union)
Kendall Bohler (CB, Florida A&M)
Kenny Gallop Jr. (S, Howard)
Travis Martin (S, Langston)
Ahmad Nelson (LB, Tennessee State)
CJ Pressley Jr. (DT, Prairie View A&M)
Fred Stokes Jr. (DE, Prairie View A&M)
Treqwan Thomas (DE, Alabama State)

Looking Ahead: The 2026 NFL Draft Class

The future looks bright for HBCU talent, with a promising 2026 draft class on the horizon. Here are some of the top draft-eligible prospects:

Bruno Onwuazor (OT, Virginia State): A towering presence at 6-foot-7 and 351 pounds, Onwuazor is an athletic pass protector with an impressive 86-inch wingspan.
Joanes Fortilien (WR, Jackson State): A big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, Fortilien is a reliable red zone target with excellent hands and a knack for attacking the ball in the air.
Erick Hunter (LB, Morgan State): A former high school quarterback, Hunter’s ability to decipher offenses and his exceptional range make him a standout defensive player.
Ashton Grable (OT/G, Florida A&M): A versatile lineman with strong hands and a balanced base, Grable excels in both run blocking and pass protection.
Ckelby Givens (Edge, Southern): Known for his first-step quickness and hand power, Givens is a disruptive pass rusher with the potential to excel as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Noah Miles (Edge, Howard): Miles has a deep arsenal of pass-rush moves and the length to trouble blockers, making him a valuable asset on the defensive line.
Jeremiah Williams (DT, Jackson State): A disruptive force on the defensive line, Williams excels at maintaining gaps and penetrating the first level of the defense.
Kevon King (RB, Norfolk State): A physical running back with high-end contact balance, King averaged 5.9 yards per carry last season.
Malcolm Reed (S, North Carolina Central): Reed is a versatile safety with a tall frame and excellent range, capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary.
Eden James (RB, Howard): The son of Hall of Fame running back Edgerrin James, Eden is an explosive and smooth ball carrier with the potential to be a catalyst for the Bison.

The HBCU Legacy Bowl: A Closer Look

The HBCU Legacy Bowl is a postseason college football all-star game that showcases the best NFL draft-eligible football players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Representatives from all 32 NFL teams attended the HBCU Legacy Bowl practice held in the New Orleans Saints practice facility at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on Thursday, Feb.

Key Players to Watch

Several players stood out at the HBCU Legacy Bowl and are poised to make an impact in the NFL:

Daniel Richardson (Florida A&M): The game's Offensive MVP, Richardson showcased flashes of brilliance at quarterback.
Myles Crawley (Grambling State): Crawley also demonstrated promise at quarterback, displaying his arm talent and decision-making skills.
Draylen Ellis (Tennessee State): Ellis rounded out the trio of quarterbacks who impressed scouts with their potential.

NFL Combine and Pro Day Performances

The NFL Combine and Pro Day events provide HBCU prospects with additional opportunities to showcase their athletic abilities and skills.

Davis: Davis impressed at the HBCU Combine, running a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and posting a 40 1/2-inch vertical jump.
Kendall Bohler (Florida A&M): Bohler showcased strong performances against FBS and FCS talent at both the Hula and Legacy Bowls.
Robert McDaniel (Jackson State): McDaniel dominated his Pro Day with a low 4.5 time.

HBCU Programs as NFL Pipelines

Certain HBCU programs have established themselves as reliable pipelines for NFL talent:

South Carolina State: This program has produced notable NFL players such as Javon Hargrave and Shaquille Leonard.
Jackson State: With Deion Sanders' influence, Jackson State has become a prominent destination for top recruits and NFL prospects.

The Impact of HBCU Players in the NFL

HBCU players have a long and storied history of making significant contributions to the NFL. Their talent, resilience, and determination have enriched the league and inspired countless individuals. As the NFL continues to recognize and support HBCU programs, the future looks bright for these institutions and their athletes.

Read also: Top HBCU Bands

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