Which HBCU players could be taken in 2025 NFL Draft? Here’s the scouting report

The 2025 NFL Draft class includes a sturdy cohort of HBCU prospects.

They every make their mark by way of dominant faculty performances, spectacular pre-draft occasions, and attention-grabbing athletic testing.

Right here’s a rating and evaluation of the highest HBCU soccer gamers hoping to make the leap to the NFL this yr.

Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M

Vinson stands out because the premier HBCU prospect on this class. At 6-foot-6 and 305 kilos, he’s drawn comparisons to latest SWAC alumni who’ve succeeded within the NFL trenches. Scouts reward his agility, motion abilities, and efficiency towards FBS competitors, most notably a powerful exhibiting versus Vanderbilt.

Vinson’s mix of measurement, approach, and athleticism has earned him sixth- and seventh-round grades, positioning him because the HBCU participant most probably to be drafted. His strong Senior Bowl and NFL Mix performances additional solidified his standing as a late Day 3 decide or precedence free agent.

Here’s what The Athletic NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler stated concerning the prime HBCU lineman within the draft from ‘The Beast’ draft information:

“Vinson has some habits that should be fine-tuned earlier than he’s prepared for NFL competitors, however he has intriguing bodily traits with the vitality and want to get probably the most out of his potential. There shouldn’t be an expectation of a right away return on funding, however he’s a worthy draft-and-develop lineman.”

Robert McDaniel, DB, Jackson State

McDaniel was the highest-rated prospect on the HBCU Mix, in line with ESPN’s Jordan Reid, and is taken into account a “draftable participant.” His athletic testing—4.55 within the 40-yard sprint, 38.5″ vertical, and 10.8′ broad soar— impressed scouts. On the sphere, McDaniel anchored a championship protection, notching three interceptions in 2024, together with two within the SWAC title recreation. His versatility and physicality make him a useful late-round goal for groups searching for depth and particular groups impression.

Jada Byers, RB, Virginia Union

Byers is a two-time CIAA Offensive Participant of the Yr and Virginia Union’s all-time main rusher, with 6,080 profession yards. Regardless of a modest 40-yard sprint (4.84), his on-field agility, imaginative and prescient, and change-of-direction abilities have stored him on NFL radars. Byers additionally gives particular groups worth, which may assist him stick as a precedence free agent or coaching camp invite.

Joaquin Davis, WR, North Carolina Central

Davis turned heads on the HBCU Mix with a 4.44 40-yard sprint—the quickest amongst all individuals—plus a 40.5″ vertical. His faculty manufacturing (92 catches, 1,211 yards, 12 TDs) and athletic profile make him an intriguing developmental receiver for NFL groups. Davis is predicted to be a precedence free agent with a shot to make a roster. NFL.com draft analyst tasks Davis to be chosen within the seventh spherical by the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs

Elijah Williams, DL, Morgan State

Williams delivered one of the crucial dominant performances on the HBCU Mix and Legacy Bowl, exceeding expectations in each measurables and on-field drills. His mixture of measurement, athleticism, and high-motor play has positioned him as a fringe draft decide, with a powerful likelihood to be signed instantly after the draft.

FCS Soccer Central author Gerald J. Huggins II stated Williams has carried out all the things proper within the draft course of to get an NFL shot, even when he doesn’t get chosen.

Whereas he’s on the perimeter of being drafted late, Williams has carried out all the things proper in his pre-draft course of, positioning himself as a powerful candidate for both a late-round choice or a precedence free-agent signing.

Jeremiah Pruitte, TE, Florida A&M

Pruitte’s measurement and athleticism make him a developmental tight finish prospect. Although underutilized in faculty, his sturdy showings on the HBCU Mix and Legacy Bowl have boosted his inventory. He’s projected as a precedence free agent with upside.

Irv Mulligan, RB, Jackson State

Mulligan is one other dynamic again who impressed in each the HBCU Legacy Bowl and Mix. His velocity and flexibility as a runner and returner make him a powerful candidate for a camp invite and doable roster spot. Huggins stated Mulligan should show he’s carried out sufficient to crack what’s a deep working again class. 

“His predominant problem is breaking right into a deep working again class, however his versatility and talent set give him an opportunity to make an impression on the subsequent degree,” stated Huggins. 

Kendall Bohler, CB, Florida A&M

Bohler’s protection abilities and athleticism have stood out in pre-draft occasions, making him a possible late-round decide or precedence free agent for groups searching for secondary depth.

Carlvainsky Decius, DB, Morgan State

Decius rebounded from a tricky HBCU Mix with a powerful Legacy Bowl week, showcasing his potential in drills and scrimmages. He’ll want a powerful professional day to solidify his standing, however groups worth his upside as a developmental defensive again.

Fred Stokes Jr., Edge, Prairie View A&M

Stokes flashed pass-rush potential in the course of the HBCU Legacy Bowl and Mix. His size and athleticism give him an opportunity to carve out a task as a situational edge rusher on the subsequent degree.

Prime 10 HBCU Prospects for 2025 NFL Draft