Every NFL draft cycle, players go overlooked. Whether it’s due to a lack of scouting, team resources, or an athlete simply slipping under the radar, missing on prospects is synonymous with the grueling evaluation process. While it’s easy to scout Power Five and Group of Five schools, HBCU programs nationwide have continued to pump out pro talent, yet often go under-evaluated as we work into the spring months. Just one player with HBCU roots was drafted in 2023 (Isaiah Bolden, Jackson State).
With the 2024 NFL Draft just a few short months away, here are nine HBCU talents to keep an eye on as we move into the thick of the pre-draft process.
Willie Drew, CB, Virginia State
A transfer to Virginia State from James Madison, Drew evolved into one of the top corners at the DII level in 2023. He’s got the size (6-foot), hips, footwork, and top-end speed to carry wideouts that want to press him vertically. While his dominance at a lower level was sensational to study on tape, his week at the Senior Bowl next month will paint a clear picture for scouts about his immediate projection to the next level.
Tairiq Stewart, OT, North Carolina A&T
A West Virginia transfer, Stewart’s length and quickness at 300-plus pounds showcase a talent that scouts have had on their radars for some time. The leader of an overpowering Aggies rushing attack, as comfortable as he is in pass pro (one sack allowed in 216 pass pro snaps), his ability to work vertically and distort the line of scrimmage highlights an extremely intriguing prospect along the offensive line. He will attend the 2024 HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Sundiata Anderson, EDGE, Grambling State
Expected to attend the Shrine Bowl, Anderson is a twitched-up pass-rush specialist I expect to rise on boards after his week in Dallas. He’s got excellent bend to consistently stress the outside shoulder, strength to hold up in the run, and a piping hot motor that allows him to play at fifth gear from the opening snap. Expect to hear his name called in April.
Laprel Boyd, CB, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
An extremely rangy corner with the instincts to play zone and the stickiness to stay hip-to-hip in man, Boyd is a well-refined corner that should challenge for a roster spot this summer. He failed to allow a 100-yard receiver in any of his 22 appearances at Pine-Bluff.
A name with some buzz — Ark Pine-Bluff DB Laprel Boyd.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) October 11, 2023
Rangy, athletic corner with an excellent feel in space. Comfortable in zone but not afraid to step down and carry WRs/TEs in man.
Just one HBCU talent drafted in ‘23, should change this spring. pic.twitter.com/V9LrANBvcY
Anim Dankwah, OT, Howard
A massive athlete at 6-foot-8 and 361 pounds, Dankwah will also be in attendance at Shrine. We could see him and Anderson (above) square off in one-on-ones—a matchup between two headlining talents from the HBCU ranks. From a skill set perspective, Dankwah has room to improve technically and will look to increase his flexibility. Still, the athleticism and frame are excellent building blocks to work with if you’re a general manager in need of a ball of clay at the position that could drastically outplay his draft slot.
Paul Woods, WR, Hampton
Last year it was Jadakis Bonds, this year it’s Woods. A transfer from Rhode Island after two years in the Big Ten at Rutgers, Woods is expected to showcase extremely well at the College Gridiron Showcase this week. His numbers don’t pop off the screen, but his route-running, physicality in space, and sure hands (one drop on 41 targets this fall) have intrigued scouts.
Jeblonski Green Jr., DL, South Carolina State
In a program that’s produced the likes of LB Shaq Leonard, IDL Javon Hargrave, and CB Cobie Durant, Green could be next in line. A primary 3-tech for the Bulldogs who also bounced out to 5-tech during his time in school, his eight combined pressures/hurries against Power Five competition the last two seasons have drawn scouts to Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Jarveon Howard, RB, Alcorn State
A Syracuse transfer, the 5-foot-11 Howard has displayed excellent contact balance and an ability to succeed behind various run-blocking schemes. He’s best inside the tackles as a north-south runner but has a sneaky amount of get-up-and-go when pressing the perimeter.
Davius Richard, QB, North Carolina Central
One of the country’s most productive dual-threat talents over the last few campaigns, Richard ended his Eagle career with 7,854 yards (64 TDs) through the air and another 2,287 yards (44 TDs) on the ground. Scouts approached 2023 with an eye toward his improvement as a pure passer. After completing 77.7% of his passes within nine yards of the line of scrimmage (139 attempts) and tossing for eight touchdowns compared to one interception on throws 20 or more yards downfield, Richards’ improving game should earn him an opportunity this summer. He’s got good size at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, as well.
