HBCU Legends

How Deion Sanders, The Prime Effect, And Jackson State Shaped The 2025 NFL Draft

Coach Prime, JSU Tigers, and HBCU football positively impacted the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kyle Mosley|
Deion Sanders With Shedeur Sanders - 2022 SWAC Championship
Deion Sanders With Shedeur Sanders - 2022 SWAC Championship | Credit: Kyle Anthony Mosley, HBCU Legends

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Jacksonville JaguarsJackson State TigersNorth Carolina A&T AggiesAlabama A&M BulldogsVirginia Tech HokiesColorado BuffaloesCleveland BrownsBaltimore RavensTampa Bay BuccaneersIndianapolis ColtsWashington Commanders

HOUSTON - The Prime Effect was on full display as Jackson State University's impact on the 2025 NFL Draft was significant and impressive. This year, eight JSU players were either drafted, signed undrafted free-agent contracts, or received rookie minicamp invitations from National Football League teams, a testament to the talent and potential of the 2024 HBCU Football National Champions.

What is the Prime Effect? Well, it's associated with the polarizing influence of Hall of Famer and former Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders, which has trickled into the careers of Travis Hunter and the Sanders siblings, Shedeur and Shilo. Each played a significant role in making the 2025 NFL Draft the second most-watched draft ever very intriguing. Mainly, the bizarre fall of Shedeur Sanders contributed to the interest by dominating the airways, social media, and articles.

Travis Hunter
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick, Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter, poses with his jersey during a press conference Friday, March 25, 2025 at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

For months, pundits predicted Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders had the best chances of becoming first-round draft choices. Hunter's stock rose to the No. 2 pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Sanders' draft profile with teams took an unexpected and unprecedented turn.

Shedeur Sanders Drafted By Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders Drafted By Cleveland Browns | Credit: Kyle Anthony Mosley - HBCU LEGENDS

Millions tuned in to watch the dramatic events of draft weekend, with an average of 7.3 million viewers — a 40% increase from 2024. During the draft, Shedeur fell into the fifth round, ultimately being selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 144th overall pick.

While Sanders and his family remained hopeful about his future with the Browns, many discussions have emerged regarding theories of NFL collusion, race, and coaching inefficiencies — conversations that largely stem from the influence of Deion Sanders.

Defensive back Robert McDaniel was poised to join the ranks of Tigers alums following Hunter and Sanders. A few weeks before the draft, he had a private workout with the Washington Commanders at Jackson State, a crucial step in his journey to the NFL.

Robert McDaniel signs with Washington
Robert McDaniel signs with Washington | Credti: JSU Athletics

Sources informed HBCU Legends that the Commanders considered using their seventh-round pick (245th overall) on either running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt or McDaniel. However, they finally selected Croskey-Merritt, who is out of the University of Arizona but started his career as an HBCU football player at Alabama State University.

After the draft, the Commanders swiftly offered McDaniel an undrafted free-agent contract. He signed and will report to the team's rookie minicamp on May 8.

Former JSU products who received UDFA contracts were defensive backs Shilo Sanders (Tampa Bay) and Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (Jacksonville), as well as defensive lineman Devontae Davis (Indianapolis).

Irv Mulligan invited to the New York Giants rookie mini-camp.
Irv Mulligan invited to the New York Giants rookie mini-camp. | Credit: JSU Athletics

The two Tigers receiving NFL rookie minicamp invitations were running back Irv Mulligan (New York Giants) and defensive lineman Phillip Webb (Miami Dolphins).

Deion Sanders and his coaching staff have directly or indirectly influenced all of the players at Jackson State. Although it will be years before we can evaluate whether the 2025 NFL Draft for Jackson State can reach the same level as the 1975 NFL Draft, which featured Pro Football Hall of Famers Walter Payton and Robert Brazile, it will ultimately depend on Hunter, the Sanders, and others to leave their mark on the gridiron.

Shilo Sanders
Shilo Sanders | Credit: Clarion-Ledger

Only then will we truly understand the impact of "The Prime Effect."

We shall see.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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