
NFL Draft 2025: Top 10 HBCU players — From Robert McDaniel to Elijah Williams
The National Football League (NFL) pre-draft process is done and all the candidates with all their might have proved to the teams why they should be drafted in the upcoming draft. From last year's season to all-star showcases, pro days, and individual workouts, here are 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) prospects who have built the strongest cases to be drafted for the 2025 NFL Draft:
Being the top HBCU prospect since last year, McDaniel is a three-level defender who can fit perfectly in multiple alignments on the field. Having an 8.84 Relative Athletic Score, he has become one of the most athletic defensive backs in this year's class. He is the most ready to help a team on defense and special teams as a rookie.
Williams has played outside linebacker, defensive end, defensive tackle, and nose guard in several alignments. With a Relative Athletic Score of 8.27, standing tall at 6'2, and weighing 290+ lbs, He can be shifted on the defensive line.
Standing tall at 6'7" and weighing 314 lbs, Vinson has been a High-End starter on the FCS level for multiple years. He had a solid performance at the Senior Bowl and capped it off with good testing at the NFL Combine and his pro day. Having an 8.07 Relative Athletic Score solidifies his stock as a Day Three prospect.
Mulligan's pro day solidified him as a prospect that a team should sign as soon as the draft is complete. His relative athletic score of 6.46 is solid, which further complements his 4.53 forty-yard dash, along with a 36-inch vertical jump and a 10'9" broad jump.
At 6'0 and weighing 235 lbs, Smith projects as a weakside linebacker in a linebacker class that is not very deep. He ran a 4.69 forty-yard dash, 35 on his vertical jump, 10'3" on the broad jump, and 25 reps on the bench press – all that led to a 6.17 Relative Athletic Score for him.
For a player who may not have the ideal body type to be a true safety, and there were some questions about his athletic ability, Gallop's film and Pro Day testing certainly helped him after not testing at the HBCU Combine. He ended up with a 6.02 Relative Athletic Score at his pro day, which is average for a strong safety. He will be asked to play closer to the line of scrimmage due to his 5'11" and 212 lbs frame.
After not performing in the HBCU Combine, Burgess performed well in the HBCU Legacy, and evaluators were highly anticipating his testing numbers. Luckily for Burgess, his film will keep him in the conversation to be a priority-free agent.
Decius has the size, quickness, and overall agility to be a solid nickel and a core special-teams player on the next level. After the Legacy Bowl, he performed at his pro day and tested better, resulting in a 6.81 Relative Athletic Score that will translate to him playing in the nickel defense.
Bohler had a 4.99 Relative Athletic Score after posting a 4.59 forty-yard dash, 1.55 10-yard split, a 10'11" broad jump, a 35" vertical jump, at a height of 5'11', weighing 194 lbs. A bit underwhelming, but his skill set can still translate to him playing in the nickel and being a special teamer on the next level.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
14 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Bills RB James Cook present for team's mandatory practice amid contract concerns, AP source says
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills running back James Cook put aside his contract concerns — and avoided the potential of being fined — by attending the start of the team's three-day mandatory series of practices on Tuesday, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because coach Sean McDermott isn't scheduled to address the media until later in the day. The Athletic first reported Cook was present at the team's facility. Cook's attendance comes after he went public with his desire to negotiate a contract extension while entering the fourth and final year of his rookie deal. He was the NFL's co-leader in rushing touchdowns with 16 last year, and skipped Buffalo's six previous spring practices and month-long workout sessions, all of which were voluntary. Cook was selected by Buffalo in the second round of the 2022 draft out of Georgia. His older brother is Dalvin Cook, best known for his six seasons in Minnesota and who spent last year appearing in two games with Dallas. In February, Cook informally began his public negotiation by posting the message '15 mill year' on his Instagram account. A month later, during an appearance on a podcast with former NFLers Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson, Cook said, 'Pay me the big bucks,' and adding, 'I want to get what I asked for.' He also made the case for his fellow NFL running backs being underpaid in saying: 'I feel like we deserve to get paid,' and asking, 'How we not valuable?' In April, Cook listed his Buffalo-area home as being for sale. General manager Brandon Beane has on several occasions noted how much he respects and values Cook, while also acknowledging the two sides aren't on the same page in contract talks. In late March, Beane specifically referenced Cook in announcing he was cutting off contract discussions to focus on the draft. 'Just because we don't have James signed today doesn't mean next year we still can't get him done before he gets to free agency,' Beane said. 'We want him to have success. We're rooting for him ... But we are where we are, and there's no hard feelings from us.' Cook proved to be the odd-man out in Beane's offseason binge of signing core players to multiyear contract extensions. The group was made up of quarterback Josh Allen, receiver Khalil Shakir, edge rusher Greg Rousseau, linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Christian Benford. Cook's 16 touchdowns rushing matched a Bills single-season record set by O.J. Simpson, and he also scored two more receiving. He was part of a Bills offense that finished second in the NFL in averaging more than 30 points per outing. After scoring just two touchdowns rushing in each of his first two seasons, Cook's jump in production coincided with Joe Brady's first full season as Buffalo's offensive coordinator, and the team's initiative to have Allen rush less to reduce exposing him to injury. /hub/nfl


Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Make smart choices': Pat McAfee warns Pittsburgh Steelers against overreliance on Aaron Rodgers
McAfee warns Pittsburgh Steelers (Image via Getty) Sports analyst and former NFL punter Pat McAfee has voiced concerns over the Pittsburgh Steelers' off-season strategy, suggesting the team may be placing too much trust in a limited offensive setup built around quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf. Concerns over narrow offensive structure The Steelers have made bold moves this offseason, including the acquisition of DK Metcalf and talks around veteran QB Aaron Rodgers. With Arthur Smith stepping in as offensive coordinator, the team appears to be shifting toward a slow-paced, possession-heavy strategy. While the roster includes stars like TJ Watt, the overall plan has drawn skepticism from analysts. Some believe the system lacks depth and overemphasizes control over adaptability. McAfee is among the first to publicly question whether this formula can hold up in today's aggressive AFC landscape. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee said, "I think they're thinking with one weapon, like DK Metcalf, which they brought in for $132 million, with one quarterback that can maybe operate this offense. And Arthur Smith wants to operate if we can keep TJ Watt, which they're still going to have to figure out." Fans may be hopeful that Rodgers brings experience and leadership, but McAfee pointed out that the Steelers' current blueprint may be too dependent on just a few key figures — a veteran quarterback, a single top-tier receiver, and a run-first system under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. A plan that demands perfection According to McAfee, the team's success now depends on Rodgers playing mistake-free football while managing the game clock and relying heavily on a strong defensive unit. "If Aaron can come in here and move the ball steadily, eat up the clock, make smart choices, not have any turnovers, the Pittsburgh Steelers are dancing in the playoffs yet again and once they get into playoffs, who knows, especially with how good their defense is", he said. Tough test in high-powered AFC McAfee also warned that this tightly structured system might struggle against the fast-paced, high-scoring teams in the AFC, such as the Chiefs, Bengals, and Bills. Without flexibility and depth, the Steelers may find it difficult to keep up. Also read: Sterling Mahomes wins internet with sweet moment, proving she's more than just Brittany's mini-me While Rodgers and Metcalf add firepower, McAfee's warning is clear — success in today's NFL needs more than just stars. It requires a balanced, adaptable system.


Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Shilo Sanders celebrates Tampa Bay Buccaneers contract by surprising University of Colorado football players with Apple Watches worth $39,501
Shilo Sanders (via Getty Images) Shilo Sanders secured a $2.96 million rookie deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 25-year-old defensive back made a heartwarming return to the University of Colorado, surprising his former teammates with a luxury gift, a brand-new Apple Watch Series 10 for each player. He spent $39,501 on the gesture, strengthening his bond with the Buffaloes, even as he begins a new chapter in the NFL. Colorado football team receives Apple Watch Series 10 from Shilo Sanders after NFL contract signing The generous act by Shilo Sanders was revealed in the latest episode of the family-run YouTube channel, Well Off Media. The video captured Shilo Sanders returning to Boulder and personally handing out Apple Watches to every member of the University of Colorado football roster, a total of 99 players. Each device retails at a starting price of $399, and Shilo Sanders ensured no one was left out. The surprise is no shock to fans who are aware of the Sanders family legacy, which not only includes on-field success but also building a unique team culture at Colorado. The tradition of fashionable watches became a hallmark during Deion Sanders' time as head coach, and the gift from Shilo continues that tradition. THANK YOU SHILO! Shilo Sanders Gifts ENTIRE COLORADO FOOTBALL TEAM APPLE WATCHES The moment has clearly struck a chord with the players, many of whom were seen with excitement flaunting their new gadgets and shouting "Shout out Shilo" before the camera. Bonding on and off the field While Shilo Sanders may not start immediately for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his off-field gestures are already earning him respect. His recent activities also extended to his NFL teammates, including a group dinner and backstage tour at a Desi Banks comedy show in Tampa, showing a consistent effort to build camaraderie. The locker room in Boulder still misses both Shilo and his younger brother, Shedeur Sanders, who has become a prominent figure in college football. Several players expressed how their absence is felt, but also celebrated their success as they step into professional careers. Also read: Cam Newton slams Antonio Brown for trying to sabotage Shilo Sanders' NFL future over viral training video Shilo's eyes are now firmly focused on earning his place in the Buccaneers' defensive lineup. A humble approach, coupled with growing rapport with teammates, may serve him well in following the routes of most young defensive backs to gradually push their way up the depth chart to become major contributors in the league.