By Jefferey Hood Jr.
Over the past five years in the NFL Draft only 12 HBCU prospects have been drafted. Out of the 12 HBCU prospects four were selected in the 2022 draft. The NFL 2023 Draft starts on April 27, 2023. The draft is upon us and the HBCU class of 2023 has a chance to put more than four HBCU prospects in the NFL. This class is filled with talented prospects at all positions.
- EDGE: Isaiah Land (Florida A&M)
Land was the heart beat for FAMU defense. Land could have gone to the draft last year, but he decided to come back for one more year. Land had an outstanding season finishes with 7 sacks, 19 solo tackles, 22 total tackles, and winning FCS Defensive Player of The Year. He impeccable skill to get to the QB despite the doubt of his weight.
- TE: Kemari Averett (Bethune-Cookman)
Averett has a big target frame as a Tightened and was the go-to guy in the passing game this season. This season Averett finished off with 40 receptions, 450 yards, averaged 11.3 yards per reception, and racked up seven touchdowns despite him having not the best QB. He was a part of All-SWAC first team and first-team FCS All-American. Averett has a big upside and a bright future in the NFL.
- OT: Mark Evans II (Arkansas Pine-Bluff)
Evans had hype around his name before the season started and lived up to the hype this season. Evans played 732 snaps and only allowed 2 sacks and 3 hurries despite the record Arkansas Pine-Bluff finished with. Evans had an amazing senior year and has a high ceiling as a tackle in the NFL.
- WR: Shaquan Davis (South Carolina State)
Davis played a big role for SCSU offense. In that offense he was the go to man in the passing game. He racked up 45 receptions, averaging 20.8 yards per catch, 934 yards, and bringing in 11 touchdowns. He has made tremendous stride of improvement over his colligate career. If Davis stays on the path, he is on he could be an amazing sleeper pick in the draft.
- EDGE: Jeblonski Green (South Carolina State)
Green was a huge factor for SCSU defense. He really made an impact on the run game. This season Green racked up 17 tackles for lost. Though, his presence in the pass game isn’t up to par the potentially for him to become a well-rounded edge rusher is there. Green has a lot of finesse moves standing at 6’0 weighing 280 pounds. Any NFL team could invest Green project because he is worth the project.
- DB: BJ Bohler (Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University)
Bohler was also a part of that dominate defense at FAMU. Though he wasn’t the headline of the defense like Isaiah Land, he still was very productive. He dominated his side of the field when it came to the passing game. He finished the season off with 4 INTS and allowed 44% catch rate. The young defensive back has a bright future for any NFL team.
- WR: Jadakis Bonds (Hampton University)
Bonds was an electric player for the Pirates offense. Matter of fact he was the man when it came to their passing game. He racked up 855 yards this season. The 6’4 Wide Receiver has a big target frame for any quarterback as well as the height advantage over many defensive backs. Bonds could be a sleeper pick and make an impact on whichever team drafts him.
- EDGE: Joshua Pryor (Grambling State University)
Pryor is an unbailable athlete. He was the one of the stars on Grambling State defensive line. Despite the team finishing 2-6 on the season Pryor had a very improvise season. Hopefully scouts checked him because he checks almost all the boxes as a edge rusher. Pryor finished the season with 20 solo tackles, 47 tot (total of tackles), and 10.5 tackles for loss. Pryor has the highest ceiling out of everyone. Future is bright.
- EDGE: Jordan Lewis (Southern University)
Lewis was one of the two tone setters for the Jaguars defensive line. Despite Lewis not meeting the average weight requirement for a typical edge rusher in the NFL he still checks off many other requirements. A couple of things he checks off is his height and technic on the line. Whether it is the pass game or run game. Lewis finished this season with 15 tot (total of tackles) and 4.5 sacks. Lewis has a bright future as a edge rusher.
- EDGE: Sundiata Anderson (Grambling University)
The second star of the Grambling University defensive line, Anderson, is an amazing duo to just watch. Just like Pryor, Anderson creates havoc whether it is the passing game or running game. Anderson made a tremendous jump from last season to this season. Finishing off the year with 39 tot (total of tackles) and 17 solo tackles. Anderson has potential, he just needs to become effective in the passing game.
- EDGE: Andrew Farmer II (Lane College)
Farmer II is a young stud that any NFL team would like to have. Despite Farmer II not playing a full season, he was still amazing. He slightly improved from last season to this season. During the season he showcased a lot of his skills and has the right make up of edge rushers currently in the NFL. Farmer II finished with 58 tot (total of tackles), 41 solo tackles, and 6 sacks. Farmer II is a well balance edge rusher and he is worth being picked up.
- S: John Huggins (Jackson State University)
Yes, Travis Hunter got a lot of shine and recognition. Huggins should have gotten the same amount of shine as Travis Hunter. Hunter, Huggins, and Shilo Sanders was an amazing defensive back core. Huggins was all over the field for Jackson State. Huggins displayed his covering and catching skills having 2 deflections and 1 INT. The safety also displayed he can come down and hit having 14 solo tackles. Huggins models many of the current safety stars in the NFL.
- WR: Xavier Smith (Florida A&M)
Smith had a lot of pre-season hype coming into his last season playing for the Rattler’s. Smith finished as AP All-American Second Team. The Rattler’s referred to Smith as the “X” man and he was the X man for the Rattler’s offense. Despite the shaky play at Quarterback, he had a stellar year. Smith was one of the go to guys when it comes to the passing game. Smith is capable of creating separation, has good speed, change of pace, and amazing hands. He has every tool in his toolbox to match up with a modern day Wide Receiver.
- LB: Aubrey Miller Jr. (Jackson State University)
Everyone knew the hype behind Jackson State. Miller was a part of that fantastic defense that Coach Prime set up. He was one of the vocal leaders for the team and especially the defense. Miller also came into his last season with the defense with a lot of hype behind his name. Miller didn’t leave the right way as far as team aspect losing in the Celebration Bowl, but he did finish the right in a personal aspect. He lived up to the hype being named second-team All-American in the SWAC. Miller is an athlete that all teams need whether it is position or a locker room guy.
- DB: Keenan Isaac (Alabama State University)
Isaac is a tremendous defensive back. Isaac finished on All SWAC First-Team. He’s above average height at the defensive back position standing at 6’3. He is a handsy back that has good speed and good footwork. Not only can he cover but he can also come down and hit. Isaac had a productive season finishing with 20 solo tackles, 2 INTS, and 7 pass deflections. Isaac model so many defensive backs in the NFL and he’ll make an immediate impact for whoever drafts him.