.jpg)
4 hours ago
1
Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be well represented at the 2025 NFL Draft.
That'll start near the top, sort of. Former Jackson State stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, who both transferred to Colorado from JSU, are likely to see their names called in the first round.
Beyond them, plenty of players who finished their college careers at HBCUs are in play to join the NFL ranks via the draft.
Here's a look at some of the top HBCU prospects available:
Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M
Vinson started every one of his 48 games for Alabama A&M.
At 6-foot-7, Vinson is an effective pass protector.
He likely isn't ready to take on NFL pass rushers, as he's more of a developmental piece who needs added strength and consistency before pushing for a starting role," The Sporting News wrote. "But he does have the athleticism and coordination for the next level and a long track record of starting snaps."
The Sporting News projects Vinson as a pick in Round 6 or 7.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Robert McDaniel, DB, Jackson State
McDaniel went to Jackson State out of high school, transferred to Alcorn State, then transferred back.
He makes plays all over the field. In 2024, he had 4.5 sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
"With his blend of aggressiveness, physicality, and playmaking, he could get some late Day 3 looks or become a strong UDFA signing," writes The Sporting News.
Elijah Williams, DL, Morgan State
Williams finished his college career with a Morgan State record 31 career sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, he can line up all over the formation as a potential disruptor.
He also showed collegiate effectiveness as a field goal blocker, a key secondary skill for a possible late-round pick.
Irv Mulligan, RB, Jackson State
Mulligan began his college career at Wofford before coming to Jackson State.
He ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at JSU's pro day and vertical leaped 36 inches.
Mulligan is a bruiser of a runner at 5-foot-10, 205 pounds.
Aaron Smith, LB, South Carolina State
Smith played wide receiver in high school.
But during the COVID-19 shortened season, he transitioned to the defensive side of the ball.
It took a while, but he eventually became a standout performer. In 2024, he had 95 tackles, including 8.5 for loss.
Kenny Gallop Jr., DB, Howard
Gallop is seeking to be the first Howard player drafted since 2006.
At 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, he's a big hitter.
Jada Byers, RB, Virginia Union
Byers is actually from the Division II ranks, not the SWAC or MEAC.
He led D-II with 2,276 all-purpose yards in 2024.
He's a little guy, at 5-foot-6, and he only ran a 4.84-second 40-yard dash.
But his production speaks for itself.
Joaquin Davis, WR, North Carolina Central
Davis runs a 4.44 40-yard dash with a vertical leap of 40.5 inches.
At 6-foot-4, 192 pounds, that's mightily impressive.
He's also a great tackler on punt coverage, which helps in the late rounds.
Jeremiah Pruitte, TE, Florida A&M
Pruitte began his college career at Colorado State.
He's exactly the kind of matchup problem that teams seek at this position, measuring up at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds.
MORE NFL NEWS:
English (US)