The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting one for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Scouts and analysts are showing a keen interest in numerous notable athletes. These players have not only dominated their respective conferences but have also demonstrated the type of talent that will translate well to the professional level.
1. Elijah Williams – DL, Morgan State
Elijah Williams has developed into one of the top defensive linemen in HBCU football. Williams stands 6’3″ and weighs 290 pounds, combining power, explosiveness, and refined technique. In 2024, he recorded double-digit sacks and was a regular disruptor in the backfield.
His ability to collapse the pocket and control the line of scrimmage makes him the preferred pick among interior linemen in this year’s draft. NFL teams love his motor, versatility in multiple defensive fronts, and elite first-step quickness.
2. Robert McDaniel – DB, South Carolina State
McDaniel has been one of the top HBCU prospects since last year. He is a true three-level defender who can play in various formations on the football field. In terms of athletic testing, he had a strong spring, posting an 8.84 Relative Athletic Score and establishing himself as one of the most athletic defensive backs in the class.
He is the most equipped among all HBCU prospects to contribute to a team’s defense and special teams as a rookie. He is projected as a solid NFL rotational prospect.
3. Carson Vinson – OL, Southern University
Vinson has the most potential of any FCS prospect in the class of 2025. He is 6’7″ and weighs 314 pounds, with broad palms and long arms to add to his remarkable length. Vinson has been a high-end starter at the FCS level for several years, with film against Power Four opponents on his record.
He had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and followed it up with impressive testing at the NFL Combine and his pro day. His 8.07 Relative Athletic Score strengthens his status as a Day Three candidate. Despite his ranking, Vinson has the best probability of being drafted. He is regarded as a potential NFL rotational prospect.
4. Kenny Gallop Jr. – WR, North Carolina A&T
Gallop Jr. is the most debated HBCU talent in the 2025 class. Although he may not have the proper body type to be a genuine safety, and there were some concerns about his athletic abilities, Gallop’s film and Pro Day testing were extremely beneficial after not testing at the HBCU Combine.
Gallop ran a 4.62 forty-yard dash, a 1.49 10-yard split, and a 4.25 short shuttle at his pro day. He finished with a 6.02 Relative Athletic Score, which is typical for a solid safety.
5. Aaron Smith – LB, Florida A&M
Smith was rehabilitating from an injury throughout the pre-draft process, but he did well on his pro day. He ran a 4.69 forty-yard dash, 35 in the vertical jump, 10’3″ in the broad jump, and 25 reps on the bench press. That resulted in a 6.17 Relative Athletic Score for him.
Smith, 6’0 “, 235 pounds, is depicted as a weakside linebacker in a linebacker class that is not very deep. Therefore, he, like Vinson, has a chance of hearing his name called owing to the shortage of draftable linebackers.
Also Read: 5 NFL Teams Most Likely To Draft Shedeur Sanders in 2025, According to Latest Odds
HBCU programs continue to produce NFL-caliber talent, and the 2025 NFL Draft serves as another reminder of the depth and quality these institutions contribute to the pro-pipeline. These five athletes, including defense breakers like Elijah Williams and offensive stars like Kenny Gallop Jr., are ready to represent their schools and communities at the next level.
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