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
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Growing up she saw this': Jordon Hudson's former boss reveals what may have drawn her to Bill Belichick
Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots' legend, has been in a pretty controversial relationship with 24 year old Jordon Hudson for a few years now. While Jordon Hudson has been constantly trolled for being with someone who is so much older than her, Bill Belichick has always defended her. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Many fans have also accused 24 year old Jordon Hudson of being a 'gold digger' because she is dating Bill Belichick but it seems like she has a strong reason to fall in love with the NFL legend. Is this the reason why Jordon Hudson fell in love with 73 year old Bill Belichick? Recently, celebrity hairstylist Dougie Freeman spoke to The Athletic, where she opened up about her experience with Jordon Hudson when she used to work for Freeman. Dougie Freeman said, 'I consider her a supernova…' as she also spoke about the reason that might have led Jordon Hudson to start dating 73 year old Bill Belichick. Dougie Freeman spoke about how the Massachusetts town has been very welcoming to all kinds of relationships and that might have influenced Jordon Hudson in some way. She said, 'Growing up in this town, she saw how alternative relationships work. They can work. I think that validated it for her.' While Jordon Hudson has not reacted to Dougie Freeman's claims yet, her boyfriend, Bill Belichick, has stood up for her again at a recent press conference. Bill Belichick makes it clear how Jordon Hudson helps him in his work at UNC Last month, Bill Belichick appeared on Michael Strahan's show, Good Morning America, and opened up about how Jordon Hudson helps him in his work. Bill Belichick said, 'She does the business things that don't relate to North Carolina that come up in my life so I can concentrate on football. And that's what I really want to do…So she did a good job of keeping me on balance there.' However, Bill Belichick's claims on how Jordon Hudson helps him in his work at the University of North Carolina have fallen on deaf ears. A few weeks ago, a video of Jordon Hudson had gone viral when she was spotted on the field as the UNC's football players practised. This raised many eyebrows as fans accused Jordon Hudson of 'distracting' Bill Belichick. Also Read:
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Jaguars star Travis Hunter's wife Leanna Lenee made a jaw‑dropping real estate purchase before his $46.5 M contract
A big purchase has been made by Travis Hunter's wife and it's not just about the football world. While the Jacksonville Jaguars star is preparing to sign a major NFL contract, his wife, Leanna Lenee, has made a huge move. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now People online are surprised by her bold step just before Hunter's big money deal. Here's what really happened and what fans are saying. Jaguars star Travis Hunter's wife Leanna Lenee buys $3.275 million mansion in gated community On June 6, 2025, it was reported that Leanna Lenee, wife of Jaguars star Travis Hunter, purchased a stunning 13-room home worth $3.275 million. The luxurious house is located inside a quiet, high-end gated community in Florida. According to reports from New York Post and ML football, the house has thirteen bedrooms and sits on a 7.5-acre property. It features a large swimming pool, a full tennis court, and beautiful outdoor views. Sources also revealed that the estate has a spacious layout and private security, making it ideal for a young celebrity couple like Hunter and Lenee. The timing of this big purchase has caught attention. It comes just days before Travis Hunter is expected to sign a $46.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars after getting drafted earlier this year. The couple's big-money decisions are becoming a hot topic among fans and on social media. Also Read: Travis Hunter and Leanna Lenee's new life is just getting started Travis Hunter, 21, recently married Leanna Lenee after finishing his final college football season with the Colorado Buffaloes. The two tied the knot earlier in 2025 in a private ceremony, as confirmed by People magazine and ESPN. Now, as Hunter prepares for his rookie NFL season, the couple is building a new life together. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Fans believe this mansion might be the first step toward settling down in Florida where Hunter will play for the Jaguars. 'He's earned it,' one user commented on Instagram, reacting to the house news. 'They're starting their new chapter in style.' Leanna has not posted anything about the purchase yet, but many fans say she's already living the dream. As Hunter's NFL journey begins, all eyes are on how this young couple balances fame, football, and their new life in luxury.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Chiefs eye future beyond Travis Kelce with potential trade for Raiders' Michael Mayer
The Kansas City Chiefs have built a modern-day NFL dynasty, fueled by the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes and the consistency of tight end . But with Kelce set to turn 36 in October and his contract expiring after the 2025 season, the franchise faces a pivotal transition. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now His production has dipped, his speed has waned, and while he remains a trusted weapon, the signs of wear are becoming harder to ignore. Michael Mayer emerges as prime trade target to reinforce Chiefs' post-Kelce era Behind Kelce, the tight end room lacks long-term spark. Noah Gray is reliable, but not dynamic. The front office must act strategically, this isn't just about filling a spot, it's about shaping the future of Mahomes' offense. Michael Mayer, currently with the Las Vegas Raiders, emerges as a compelling solution. The 2023 second-round pick is a powerful, sure-handed tight end who thrives in contested catches and blocking situations. Despite a quiet rookie season, his ceiling remains high. With the Raiders ushering in Brock Bowers as their new offensive centerpiece, Mayer's role has been pushed to the background. The timing couldn't be better for Kansas City to make a move. Raiders PLAN TO TRADE Michael Mayer + Huge NFL Update Reports suggest that Las Vegas fielded trade calls for Mayer earlier in the offseason, showing they're at least open to discussions. While trading within the AFC West adds a layer of complication, the potential upside for both teams is undeniable. The Raiders can maximize Mayer's value, and the Chiefs secure a succession plan with star potential. A strategic step toward sustained dominance for Kansas City Under Andy Reid's guidance and Mahomes' leadership, Mayer could evolve into a high-impact player. He brings the physical traits and football IQ to fit seamlessly into Kansas City's system. With Kelce nearing the end of his illustrious run, Mayer offers continuity—an opportunity to evolve the tight end position without skipping a beat. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Also Read: The Chiefs are not in crisis, but they are approaching a turning point. Waiting too long to find Kelce's replacement could set the offense back. Striking now, with a player like Mayer available, reflects the kind of bold, calculated decision-making that keeps franchises ahead of the curve.
