Top 10 HBCU prospects available in the 2022 NFL Draft

While eight franchises are still duking it out in the postseason, the other 24 clubs have turned their eyes to the 2022 NFL Draft. No HBCU players were selected in last year’s event, but at least a few of the top HBCU prospects in 2022 will hear their names called on Day 3.

Top 10 HBCU prospects available in the 2022 NFL Draft

Not all of these players will get drafted this year, but each should, at the very least, land on NFL rosters as UDFAs.

Markquese Bell, S, Florida A&M

At 6’3″ and 205 pounds, Markquese “Ring Your” Bell is a hard-hitting safety with explosiveness in the backend. After dominating the JUCO stage, Bell took his talents to Florida A&M and harassed SWAC offenses. In 2020, he tied for the conference lead in interceptions (5) and entered 2021 with scouts paying attention.

Although his production dropped slightly this season, Bell showcased sought-after versatility by logging significant snaps in the box, slot, and deep safety. He may not go as high as small-school safeties Kyle Dugger or Jeremy Chinn, but with a solid outing at the Shrine Bowl and above-average testing numbers at the NFL Combine, Bell will easily find a home in the NFL.

Decobie Durant, CB, South Carolina State

Outside of having an elite name, Decobie Durant is a smooth operator in the secondary. Primarily playing on the outside for the Bulldogs, Durant racked up 10 interceptions and 29 pass breakups in three years as a full-time starter. His fluid hips, ball skills, and instincts are tailor-made for the slot in the NFL, though he will need to bulk up his 5’11” and 180-pound frame.

Aqeel Glass, QB, Alabama A&M

Aqeel Glass isn’t just the top QB among HBCUs — he is one of the best QBs in college football. With a prototypical frame (6’5″, 215 pounds), Glass owns a powerful right arm with athleticism to boot. While he can run when needed, he is largely a big pocket passer with a bit of maneuverability in the pocket. As one of the most prolific HBCU passers of all time, Glass threw for 12,136 yards, 110 touchdowns, and 41 interceptions in his Alabama A&M career.

Already securing a master’s degree in civil engineering, Glass is lauded for his IQ on and off the field, and he grew into a vocal leader throughout his five years with the Bulldogs. Glass’ next stop is the NFLPA Bowl in Pasadena, California, where he will attempt to wow NFL scouts one last time.

Joshua Williams, CB, Fayetteville State

Joshua Williams is a long 6’3″ and 197-pound corner with a thumping mindset. He is scary coming downfield, sporting a safety skill set against the run. His twitchy feet and ability to turn and flip his hips are some of the best in the class. He only faced D2 competition, but his athleticism-size combination is rare. With a stellar performance at the Senior Bowl, Williams can lock in a selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Ja’Tyre Carter, OT, Southern

Southern’s roster lists Ja’Tyre Carter at 6’5″ and 275 pounds, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he weighs in over 300 pounds at the NFL Combine. His physical tools in pass protection anchor his game, though he is no slouch as a run blocker. He is a bit unpolished in terms of technique, but the foundation is there.

The latest addition to the Senior Bowl lineup, Carter will join Williams in a quest to cement their draft stock. Carter will go up against an edge group that includes Jermaine Johnson II, Cameron Thomas, Kingsley Enagbare, Myjai Sanders, and Arnold Ebiketie. If he can hold his own in one-on-ones, Carter will see his name on the ticker come April.

James Houston, EDGE/LB, Jackson State

Here is one of “my guys” in the 2022 NFL Draft. James Houston played linebacker at Florida from 2017-2020 but transitioned to defensive end once he joined Jackson State. He was an absolute monster off the edge this year, generating 70 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, and 7 forced fumbles.

Micah Parsons is a bigger athlete (6’3″, 246 compared to Houston’s 6’1″, 225 pounds) with more juice, but Houston can play a similar hybrid off-ball linebacker/edge rusher role. His coverage prowess is largely unknown, but he can’t play full-time on the defensive line due to his smaller stature. If a team can figure out the best way to utilize Houston’s skill set, he can build a career in the NFL.

Cory Rahman, S, Tennessee State

Tennessee State’s star safety will test at the HBCU Combine and play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl and NFLPA Bowl. Cory Rahman was a second-team all-conference defender in 2021, totaling 65 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2 INTs, and 4 PBUs. As the defensive leader for Eddie George’s squad, he displayed impressive range downfield. He used all of his 6’2″ and 195-pound build against the run, though he can improve as an open-field tackler.

Nevertheless, Rahman reads opposing quarterbacks, plays with anticipation, and possesses good closing speed in coverage. There isn’t much not to like with his package, so hopefully, Rahman tests well during the pre-draft process and puts on a show at the all-star games.

Xavier Smith, WR, Florida A&M

Xavier Smith walked on at Florida A&M and has been one of their most important pieces since. He is electric with and without the ball in his hands, burning defenders with his routes and ability to create yards after the catch. His slight frame (5’10” and 170 pounds) is concerning for the next level, but he has room to put on weight without severely affecting his quickness.

Smith will play in the slot in the NFL, which offers him more room to operate and deploy his speed. He won’t win many contest situations, but you can expect smith to move the chains and pick up yards.

De’Shaan Dixon, DL, Norfolk State

De’Shaan Dixon started his career as a designated pass rusher at Norfolk State but has been a starter the last two years. He is a toolsy prospect but is a bit raw with his technique and pass-rush arsenal. Still, he is a high-energy defender that can fill gaps in run defense, wrap up ball carriers, and squeeze pockets.

Al Young and CJ Holmes, CBs, Jackson State

Jackson State’s CB duo (trio if you include De’Jahn Warren who is returning in 2022) shined this season. While being under the tutelage of Hall of Fame CB Deion Sanders certainly helps, these prospects have talent in their own right.

Al Young is a rocked-up 5’11” and 195 pounds. He is physical on the boundary and looks comfortable in any situation. Young led the team in PBUs (11) and allowed a paltry 32.8% completion rate, shutting down his side of the field. Young can occasionally bite on double-moves, and his top speed can wane, but he is predominantly reliable outside.

Meanwhile, CJ Holmes manned the slot for the Tigers. He was by far the most targeted Jackson State defender, but never wavered and minimized the damage. His 40 total tackles were seventh on the squad, and his 7 PBUs were second only to Young. He gave up his fair share of yards and TDs — as is expected from the slot –, but Holmes’ 52.9% completion rate is nothing to sneeze at.

Other top HBCU prospects available in the 2022 NFL Draft

• Keyshawn James, DL, Fayetteville State
• Keonte Hampton, LB, Jackson State
• Keith Corbin III, WR, Jackson State
• Jah-Maine Martin, RB, North Carolina A&T
• Ezra Gray, RB, Alabama State
• Bishop Bonnett, RB, Florida A&M
• Juwan Carter, QB, Norfolk State
• Dee Anderson, WR/TE, Alabama A&M
• Keenan Forbes, OL, Florida A&M
• Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim, WR, Alabama A&M
• Joshua Pryor, DL, Bowie State
• Cameron Durley, OT, Tennessee State
• Felix Harper, QB, Alcorn State