Once upon a time, NFL teams didn’t think twice about drafting a player from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Many players from these schools now grace the halls of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Names like Jerry Rice, Walter Payton, and Deacon Jones top a list of talented players who ventured through the ranks of HBCU football.
Current day, the rise of HBCU football is still in full swing. ESPN’s coverage of Jackson State during Deion Sanders’ tenure ushered the subdivision of college football to the forefront. But which players from HBCUs have most recently been selected in the NFL Draft? Let’s take a look at the most recent picks.
The Most Recent NFL Draft Picks From HBCUs
RB Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears (2017 4th Round, North Carolina A&T)
Despite standing 5’6″, the electric running back from North Carolina A&T thrived in a Bears offense, totaling 4,286 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns, as a change of pace.
The Bears reached the playoffs twice during his four-year tenure. ACL and hamstring injuries curtailed Cohen’s career. He retired after three unsuccessful comebacks at the age of 29. Last December, the MEAC Hall of Fame enshrined him.
I speak for all Bears fans when I say we miss Tarik Cohen
Life can be unfair sometimes, we’re all wishing him the best 🐻⬇️ https://t.co/cNeRVVHWYb pic.twitter.com/La09ibXlyq
— Chicago Jay (@Chicago_Jay1) May 10, 2024
LB Shaquille Leonard, Indianapolis Colts (2018 2nd Round, South Carolina State)
Originally signed to Clemson, Leonard transferred to South Carolina State. After consecutive MEAC Defensive Players of the Year, the Colts selected the linebacker with the 36th overall pick.
Leonard enjoyed the best post-HBCU career of all the players on this list, being named to four All-Pro teams and three Pro Bowls. However, his current status remains unknown as he ponders his future.
Shaquille Leonard is an Eagle. pic.twitter.com/DKZQYsQhLx
— Word On The Birds (@WordOnTheBirds) December 4, 2023
OL Tytus Howard, Houston Texans (2019 1st Round, Alabama State)
When the Texans selected the former Alabama State Hornets offensive lineman with the 23rd overall pick, no one batted an eye.
Howard gave Deshaun Watson and, later, C.J. Stroud maximum effort as he attempted to keep them clean and vertical.
CB Joshua Williams, Kansas City Chiefs (2022 4th Round, Fayetteville State)
While never counted on as a permanent starting option at corner, the six-foot-three Williams provides versatility and sound coverage for the Chiefs. Entering his fourth year in Kansas City, the former Fayetteville State Broncos standout will look to add to his two Super Bowl rings.
CB Decobie Durant, Los Angeles Rams (2022 4th Round, South Carolina State)
Perhaps the best HBCU cover corner on this list, the former South Carolina State Bulldog teammate of Shaquille Leonard, has allowed just three passing touchdowns on 61 completed passes.
Durant flourishes in his role as a third or fourth cornerback. To this point, three interceptions, a pick-six, two sacks, and one forced fumble, along with 19 pass breakups, make him a versatile cog in the Rams’ defensive machine.
Merry Christmas Rams fans!
Last Christmas Decobie Durant had 2 interceptions against the Broncos, one returned for TD.
The Rams have had an up and down season interchanging Kendrick and Durant opposite of Witherspoon. Durant seems to getting another opportunity at seasons end pic.twitter.com/xjcZUpWhfU
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) December 25, 2023
EDGE James Houston IV, Detroit Lions (2022 6th Round, Jackson State)
After his senior year at Jackson State became televised due to Deion Sanders’ coaching Jackson State, the edge rusher caught the eye of many NFL teams.
The Detroit Lions made the move with the 217th overall pick. Houston made an immediate impact in Detroit, tallying seven sacks as a rookie, despite starting just two games.
RELATED: Top 5 HBCU Players of All Time
After a couple of unproductive seasons, he finds himself in Cleveland looking for a way back to top form.
OL Ja’Tyre Carter, Chicago Bears (2022 7th Round, Southern)
The 6’3″, 311-pound Southern University guard played two games for the Bears in 2023. Now, he resides in the interior line depth rotation for the Carolina Panthers
CB Isaiah Bolden, New England Patriots (2023 7th Round, Jackson State)
Another one of Deion Sanders’ former players will continue to fight for reps as the nickel back. Now, with Mike Vrabel as the head coach, the six-foot-two corner with 4.35 speed could fit a Swiss Army-type role with New England’s defense.
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