10 HBCU Draft Prospects' NFL Best Fits
There's a great chance the 2023 NFL Draft will clear the four selected HBCU draft selections from a season ago. In arguably the deepest draft pool of historically black college football prospects in nearly a decade, several NFL teams may select an underrated-FCS gem that could help their team succeed as rookies.
Here are the top HBCU draft prospects and their ideal team fits as we approach the NFL's biggest offseason spectacle in three weeks.
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arkansas???Pinebluff offensive lineman Mark Evans II (OL15) speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
T Mark Evans III, Arkansas Pine-Bluff: New Orleans Saints
Evans has been arguably the most highly-regarded offensive lineman in HBCU football for the past two years. He validated his interior versatility with a solid showing during the East-West Shrine Game at the guard and center positions. The last time New Orleans tapped into the SWAC football landscape for a heralded lineman prospect, they selected the great Terron Armstead, who was a three-time Pro Bowl selection before departing to the Miami Dolphins in free agency last offseason.
With Andrus Peat projected to be gone from the roster in 2024, taking a Day-2 flyer on Evans III will be a sound long-term investment along their offensive line.
Sep 3, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Bethune Cookman Wildcats tight end Kemari Averett (1) runs with the football during the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
TE Kemari Averett, Bethune-Cookman: Miami Dolphins
Averett measures 6'6" and 260 pounds, the ideal physical prototype NFL teams desire in today's tight ends. The BCU standout presents the perfect size and speed combination that made him a game-breaker throughout SWAC play and, at one point, a heralded FCS tight-end prospect.
With the Fins needing an in-blocking pass-catcher due to the departure of Mike Gesicki to New England, Mike McDaniel could tap into his team's home state and add an unheralded jewel to their talented offense.
Dec 18, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; South Carolina State Bulldogs wide receiver Shaquan Davis (1) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Jackson State Tigers during the first half during the 2021 Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
WR Shaquan Davis, South Carolina State: Carolina Panthers
With D.J. Moore traded to the Chicago Bears and Robbie "Chosen" Anderson released this offseason, there's a major need for pass-catching production in the Panthers' currently constricted receiving room. Shaq Davis was a MEAC superstar for the SC State Bulldogs who broke out during the 2021 Celebration Bowl versus Jackson State.
He followed that up with a career-high 2022 season that saw him snag 11 touchdowns and go for nearly 950 yards receiving as the team's primary receiving threat. With his ability to stretch the field and high-point the ball at his 6'5 frame, there's a great chance the Panthers could value his services and select him with either of their three Day-3 selections.
Hampton WR Jadakis Bonds; Credit: Hampton Athletics
WR Jadakiss Bonds, Hampton University: Buffalo Bills
Bonds were one of the most productive wideouts in arguably the toughest conference in the FCS during his senior year with the Hampton Pirates. Across 90 pass-targets, Hampton recorded a 76.1 PFF receiving a grade and was First-Team All-CAA en route to a Shrine Bowl invite, where he starred throughout the week. At 6'5, he brings a vertical field-stretching ability and a red-zone threat aspect many NFL teams covet, making him a valuable commodity in the mid-to-late rounds of the NFL draft process.
In a potential long-term move, Buffalo's brass could pursue the talents of Bonds, who presents a similar skill set and an even taller build than incumbent 2024 free agent Gabriel Davis who may be on the clock following an injury-plagued 2022 campaign.
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida A&M defensive lineman Isaiah Land (DL37) participates in drills during the NFL combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
EDGE Isaiah Land, Florida A&M: Los Angeles Rams
The releases of Bobby Wagner and Leonard Floyd have created a linebacker need for the Rams' franchise. They will surely entertain and utilize all the linebacking options necessary to replenish their defensive front. Land was a former Buck Buchanan Award Winner in 2021 and had a solid showing in this year's Senior Bowl by making plays as an edge rusher and on-ball linebacker.
While his long-term trajectory at the pro level feels aligned as an off-ball backer, the versatility is now on tape to play him in various places across the defensive line. The last time the Rams took a flier on an HBCU prospect, they hit gold with Decobie Durant. Land is just as collegiately heralded and could be an equal-level steal for the franchise.
Dec. 3, 2022; Aubrey Miller Jr. leaving the field after the coin toss at the 2022 SWAC Football Championship game versus Southern University. Credit: Kyle A. Mosley, HBCU Legends
LB Aubrey Miller, Jackson State: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With Lavonte David nearing the end of his career and the long-term future of Devin White currently unknown, Tampa Bay could truly value on/off-ball linebacking options for the future in this year's upcoming draft. Todd Bowels is a defensive-minded head coach, and all signs point to many aspects of the Bucs' draft board being designed around saturating their defense with youthful options at important skill positions.
Miller is a Devin White prototype with sideline-to-sideline speed and a powerful punch in run-support and blitz packages. With the Buccaneers possessing six picks between the fifth and seventh rounds, there's no way Tampa Bay will bypass a 2023 FCS All-American that was the heart and soul of Jackson State's elite defensive unit.
OL Robert Mitchell, NCCU; Credit: NCCU Athletics
G Robert Mitchell, North Carolina Central: Seattle Seahawks
Mitchell was the kingpin of the best offensive line in HBCU football, which helped make up the NCCU offensive identity. Mitchell possessed an 87.7 pass-blocking grade across 747 snaps and was MEAC OL of The Year for the HBCU National Champions. He's currently not a known commodity across NFL Draft boards, but he's a forceful load that will surely get late-round draft looks across the league.
Seattle has started to redefine their offensive front through the drafting and gradual development of Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. Adding Mitchell along their frontline shouldn't do them a disservice while maintaining their run-first identity under Pete Carroll.
WR Xavier Smith; Credit: FAMU Athletics
WR Xavier Smith, Florida A&M: Kansas City Chiefs
It's great to see the gradual notoriety of the "X-Man," who was the SWAC's marquee WR1 throughout his banner senior season that saw him finish as a 2023 FCS All-American. Despite listing at 5-10, he has the on-field speed, route-running ability, and chain-moving receiving chops to be a consummate pro at the NFL level. The Chiefs have a receiving need that the team seems fine to address through the draft and gradually free agency.
With Mecole Hardman and Juju Smith-Schuster no longer on the roster, Smith has a great chance to be a late-round selection for Kansas City. Reid could factor him into their starting receiving rotation this season.
DB Keenan Issac; Credit: Alabama State Athletics
CB Keenan Isaac, Alabama State: Seattle Seahawks
Isaac has the 6'3 cornerback measurables that NFL teams have traditionally drooled over in the past two decades. After an underrated senior campaign that saw him finish with a 78.1 PFF coverage grade, there's no doubt the Alabama State Hornet isn't on many late-round NFL draft boards because of his on-field production and physical measurables.
Historically, the Seahawks have done very well taking mid-round flyers on tall, lanky corners, similar to Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner, and ROTY finalist Tariq Woolen. Isaac could join the fold in Seattle to help Carroll recreate his Legion of Boom Blueprint.
DE Andrew Farmer, Lane College: Las Vegas Raiders
Andrew Farmer was a D-II stud who dominated at Lane College during his two years in the program. At 6'4, 245 pounds, he racked up 114 tackles, 44 tackles for losses, and 17.5 sacks during that span and featured a level of power, athleticism, and relentless motor that showed up in his final season where he racked up 22 tackles in 2022.
Vegas needs another edge rusher opposite Maxx Crosby to bring consistency to their pass-rushing front. While raw, the frame, intangibles, and motor with Farmer are all there, just like they were with Maxx Crosby when he came out of college. It's an ideal fit for both parties if Vegas selects Farmer in the mid-rounds.