NFL draft 2022: Eight top HBCU prospects who have a chance to be selected or sign as undrafted free agents
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.
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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
Regarded by NFL scouts as one of the best HBCU products in the draft, the 6-2, 212-pound Bell led Florida A&M with 95 tackles, five forced fumbles, two sacks and an interception. At the Senior Bowl, Bell earned defensive player of the week honors after racking up 15 tackles, a sack and forced fumble.
Alabama A&M QB Aqeel Glass
The 6-5, 215-pound Glass threw for 3,568 yards, 36 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2021. He can make all of the throws, and his size enables him to stand tall in the pocket and scan the field. He could stand to add more muscle mass to his frame, however, and also needs some time to refine his skills, which will lead to greater accuracy.
Jackson State LB James Houston
The first-team All-SWAC pass-rusher racked up 14 1⁄2 sacks and forced seven fumbles as a senior. Houston didn't receive a combine invite, but he impressed at his pro day, posting a 4.70-second 40-yard dash, 39-inch vertical and 10-5- broad jump.
Norfolk State DE De'Shaan Dixon
The 6-4, 251-pound edge rusher used his showing at the Legacy Bowl to help garner additional consideration after a 2021 season that saw him record nine sacks.
South Carolina State DB Cobie Durant
The 5-10, 180-pound Durant makes up for pedestrian size with a fierce competitive fire. He recorded 12 interceptions in his college career and was named MEAC defensive player of the year in 2021.
Southern OL Ja'Tyre Carter
The 6-foot-3, 311-pound guard/tackle impressed at the Senior Bowl, combine and his pro day. He has spent the bulk of his career at tackle but projects more so as a guard in the NFL, scouts say.
Virginia State DB Will Adams
The 6-1, 186-pound defensive back racked up 61 tackles and an interception for Virginia State in 2021. At the HBCU combine, he posted a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, 40 1⁄2 -inch vertical jump, 10-3 broad jump and 21 reps on the bench press.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Mike Jones on Twitter @ByMikeJones.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL draft 2022: HBCU prospects offer plenty of potential
