2014 NFL Draft: Best Available SWAC Players

While HBCU players are not expected to be taken in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, there are plenty of talented athletes still available who should be on many team’s radars in the mid and late rounds.

College football observers highlighted several standout SWAC draft hopefuls that could be coming to an NFL team near you by the end of the weekend.

Qua Cox, cornerback, Jackson State

Cox was one of the top defensive backs in the SWAC. He’s a magnificent open-field tackler. He has a good nose for the football. Cox finished his senior year with 32 tackles and six pass breakups. He completed his career with 10 interceptions, 145 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks. Cox also made an appearance in the Senior Bowl.

Arnold Walker, running back, Alcorn State

Walker led the SWAC in rushing with 1,191 yards. He averaged 5.6 yards a carry. Walker rushed for 16 touchdowns. He does a great job of hitting the holes very quickly.

Deandre Cooper, wide receiver, Prairie View A&M

Cooper is one those receivers who has good size, speed and can make the big catch. He had 80 receptions for 1,038 yards and 12 touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder can really play the game.

Jer-ryan Harris, linebacker, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Harris led the SWAC in total tackles with 107. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder is a playmaking linebacker. He can come up and stop the run. He can drop back into pass coverage, too.

Raheem Cardwell, linebacker, Prairie View A&M

Cardwell can make plays going sideline to sideline from his linebacking position. He had 103 total and 55 solo tackles. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder has the ability to play inside linebacker in the NFL.

Leland Baker, linebacker, Alabama State

Baker has the ability to cover a lot of ground with his speed. He has great anticipation. Baker had 88 total and 53 solo tackles. He can also rush the passer. He finished the season with six sacks.

Steve Orisakwe, linebacker, Grambling State

Orisakwe was one of the top defensive players in the SWAC. He had 96 total and 54 solo tackles. Orisakwe knows how to read and follow the play. He’s always around the football.

Isaiah Crowell, running back, Alabama State

Crowell was the Hornets’ leading rusher. He picked up 1,121 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He averaged 6.6 yards a carry. Crowell can run between the tackles and get to the outside. He has breakaway speed.