The NFL Draft is here, and several HBCU players are hoping to hear their names called this weekend.
Last year, four players were selected in the later rounds, including two in the fourth round. That was the most HBCU players selected in an NFL Draft since 2019.
We look at some of the best HBCU prospects with the best chance of being selected in the 2023 draft and where they might land.
Isaiah Land LB, Florida A&M
Round: 5
Team: Arizona Cardinals
Isaiah Land is a highly sought-after draft prospect, with several teams reportedly interested in the services of the Rattlers linebacker.
The former Buck Buchanan Award winner is a versatile defender who can be plugged in at either linebacker or as an edge rusher and make an immediate impact.
His mix of size and agility makes Land a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen looking to keep him out of the backfield.
Of the teams that have expressed interest in Land, none may need him more than the Arizona Cardinals.
Last season, the Cardinals were the second-worst-ranked defense in the NFL. They will need to fill a void at the edge rusher position with their two defensive ends, J.J. Watt and Zach Allen, no longer on the team.
Land is the perfect player to plug in as either a starter or reserve that can learn on the fly, bringing youth and speed to the Cardinals’ defensive line.
Aubrey Miller, LB, Jackson State
Round: 5
Team: Chicago Bears
Aubrey Miller, coming off a season in which he was named SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, has had a tremendous offseason in raising his draft stock.
The Jackson State defensive leader performed amazingly in the Senior Bowl, showing off his relentless playmaking ability.
He recorded seven tackles, including a big hit in the first play that drew a noticeable buzz.
It would not be surprising to see Miller taken by the Chicago Bears at some point on Saturday.
The Bears are running thin on linebackers after trading away their All-Pro Roquan Smith and losing their leader in tackles, Nicholas Morrow, to free agency.
For a franchise known for playing host to great HBCU players, such as Walter Payton and Richard Dent, Miller would be a great addition to that lineage.
Mark Evans II, OL, UAPB
Round: 6
Team: Denver Broncos
Mark Evans II was a model of consistency in his five seasons at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, going to great lengths to patrol the line of scrimmage.
Evans played 1,307 combined snaps in the past two seasons, only allowing 24 quarterback hurries, seven quarterback hits, and five sacks.
His talents could fit with a team like the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos’ biggest problem was their inability to protect quarterback Russell Wilson, allowing a league-high 63 sacks in 2022.
Evans is the best offensive line prospect HBCU football has to offer. If his track record in college is any indication, he will grow into a top NFL offensive lineman with the proper reps, similar to fellow UAPB alum Terron Armstead.
Dallas Daniels, WR, Jackson State
Round: 6
Team: Cleveland Browns
Dallas Daniels played a huge role on a dominant Jackson State offense as a top option on an elite passing team.
His ability to create space, make plays after the catch, and his awareness make him a viable option for any team.
Reports claim that Daniels has garnered interest from multiple teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Chicago Bears.
There is also a report that he could be selected as early as the fifth round. If there is a leader in the clubhouse, it may be the Cleveland Browns, with whom Daniels recently met.
The Browns ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in passing offense, with their lack of depth at the receiver position.
Daniels could be a part of the solution to adding more quality bodies to the Browns’ receiving corp.
Isaiah Bolden, CB, Jackson State
Round: 7
Team: New England Patriots
As if being an All-American return specialist and an All-SWAC cornerback wasn’t enough, Isaiah Bolden did wonders for his draft stock with a great showing during the Jackson State Pro Day.
Bolden posted impressive numbers, including a 4.31 40-yard dash time and a 38-inch vertical leap. His work on special teams will guarantee he gets time on the field in the NFL.
It has been reported that the Jackson State talent has previously met with the New England Patriots.
Whether or not that means they will select him in the draft remains to be seen. However, it can not be denied that he would be a great fit for the Patriots special teams unit.
In a league that had six total kick return touchdowns, the Patriots surrendered three of them. Meanwhile, they have not scored a kick return touchdown since 2018.
Xavier Smith, WR, Florida A&M
Round: 7
Team: Los Angeles Rams
Any team in the market for a versatile receiver could not go wrong with Florida A&M All-American Xavier Smith.
Despite his small stature, standing at just 5-8, Smith used his speed and footwork to make big plays for the Rattlers.
He put his talents on display for the world to see in the HBCU Legacy Bowl, recording six receptions for 85 yards and scoring the game’s only touchdown in an MVP performance.
If any team could use the services of Smith, it would be the Los Angeles Rams.
Injuries doomed the Rams’ offense during the 2022 season, including their leading receiver Cooper Kupp who missed nine of the team’s 17 games. Elsewhere, only one Rams receiver played all 17 games.
While it may be unrealistic to believe Smith could step in and be an immediate rotation player for the Rams, he would be an available option for the team with the potential to grow into a permanent role with the group.
