Although Isaiah Bolden of Jackson State was the only HBCU football player taken during the 2023 NFL Draft, a multitude of former Black College standouts have signed with teams as undrafted free agents. Here is where they landed and what they signed for:
Mark Evans (University Arkansas at Pine Bluff) – New Orleans Saints
The former All-SWAC offensive lineman signed a 3-year, $2.7 million contract with the Saints that includes $241,000 in first-year guaranteed money.
Shaq Davis (South Carolina State University) – New Orleans Saints
The 6-4, 216-pound wide receiver was a playmaker in his time at South Carolina State, finishing his career with 133 receptions for 2,724 yards and 29 touchdowns. The Saints signed Davis to a 3-year deal for $2.69 million, with $216,000 guaranteed.
Aubrey Miller (Jackson State University) – Miami Dolphins
It was surprising when the former All-SWAC first-team performer did not hear his name called during the draft. The Dolphins signed one of the most disruptive defensive players the SWAC to a 3-year, $2.69 million deal.
Xavier Smith (Florida A&M University) – Los Angeles Rams
Last season Smith led the SWAC in receiving yards, (1,021), receptions (87), and touchdowns (11). The Rams signed the most prolific in the SWAC to a 3-year, $2.7 million deal.
Joshua Pryor (Bowie State University) – Washington Commanders
Pryor, who was Bowie State’s leading tackler with 47 total stops on the season, inked a deal with the Commanders for 3 years and $2.69 million.
Andrew Farmer (Lane College) – Los Angeles Chargers
The former Lane College defensive end entered into a 3-year deal worth $2.6 million with the Chargers.
Keenan Issac (Alabama State University) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Issac signed with the Bucannees for 3 years and $2.7 million.
Dallas Daniels (Jackson State University) – Denver Broncos
Daniels, who was Jackson State’s second most productive receiver, catching 63 passes for 692 yards and six touchdowns in 2022, signed a 3-year, $2.69 million deal with Denver. He has since been released by the Broncos.
Claudin Cherelus (Alcorn State University) – New York Jets
Alcorn State’s second-leading tackler in 2022 signed a 3-year, $2.7 million deal with the Jets.
Darius Hagans (Virginia State University) – Indianapolis Colts
One of two running backs on the CIAA to eclipse the 1,000-yard last season mark with 1,012, Hagans inked a 3-year, $2.69 million deal, with $20,000 guaranteed in the first year.
Alfonzo Graham – Pittsburgh Steelers
Graham lead the MEAC in rushing in 2022 with 1,150 yards and eight touchdowns on 196 carries. Graham topped the 100-yard mark 5 times on the season, including a season-high 203 yards against Norfolk State. After being invited to the Steelers rookie minicamp, Graham was signed to a 3-year contract worth $2.96 million.
