In the last year, NFL officials and former players still closely associated with the game have made a push to increase the exposure opportunities for football players from historically Black colleges and universities in hopes of paving the way for those prospects to receive draft consideration.
Last year, no HBCU players were drafted, and just 18 players from such programs made opening day rosters across the NFL.
That’s far too few, said league officials like executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent. The talent is there, Vincent and colleagues believe. Opportunity is all that’s needed.
This past winter, the NFL hosted a combine exclusively for HBCU players. Meanwhile, the Black College Football Hall of Fame, led by Super Bowl 22 MVP Doug Williams and former NFL quarterback and executive James “Shack” Harris, hosted the HBCU Legacy Bowl in hopes that the all-star game would afford NFL scouts another opportunity to evaluate the top talent that programs from predominantly Black schools have to offer.
As the NFL draft draws closer, a handful of prospects have drawn additional consideration. Some have received draftable grades from NFL scouts while others are regarded as candidates to make rosters as undrafted free agents.
Here’s a look at eight of the top HBCU players that have caught the eyes of NFL talent evaluators and could hear their names called in later rounds or receive opportunities shortly after the draft.
NFL DRAFT: Which teams have the most at stake this year?
MORE: Nine players for whom teams could trade up in NFL draft
NFL NEWSLETTER: Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox
Fayetteville State CB Joshua Williams
At 6-3 and 195 bounds, Williams boasts impressive size to go with his athleticism and versatility. He excels both in man and zone coverage and displays an ability to recover quickly when speedy receivers initially shake him.
Florida A&M safety Markquese Bell
Story continues
Regarded by NFL scouts as one of the best…