2023 All-HBCU Players NFL Mock Draft: Picks 1-10
HOUSTON — HBCU Legends' first-round mock draft consists of all-HBCU players who fit NFL teams selecting from No. 1 to No. 10 in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The HBCU talent for the 2023 NFL Draft has its fill of pass rushers, offensive linemen, wide receivers, and cornerbacks. I expect at least five to seven players that have a chance to be selected on Day-2 and Day-3 of the draft that begins April 27.
HBCU Legends 31-Top HBCU Draft-Eligible Players by each team...
Aubrey Miller Jr.; HBCU Legends Draft Profile
No. 1 - Carolina Panthers
LB Aubrey Miller, Jr. - Jackson State
Miller is a player who will be the cornerstone of building a dynamic defense in Carolina. The 2022 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year is hungry, fierce, and tenacious.
Coach Prime mentioned to HBCU Legends on Miller, "Aubrey is one of the guys that we hang our hats on in the middle of the defense; making calls, getting to the Ball, flying around, and really setting the tone and the tempo. Not just on game day, but in practice as well. He's matured a lot. He's grown a lot. Still, you're going see some foolish penalties here and there. We could deal with that, we're not going to condone that, but we can deal with that. But the guy plays his heart out. He goes about his job really professionally and hard. He's going out there doing what we think he should be doing."
Sanders concluded his thoughts on the talented players, "I'm really pleased with those two men. They seem like they have the same tenacity. Just one being an offensive player, and the other being a defensive player."
No. 2 - Houston Texans
LB Isaiah Land - Florida A&M
Head coach DeMeco Ryans is a defensive guy and loves players who can excel at getting to the quarterback - like he once did with the Texans. Isaiah Land has the relentless motor, length, and quickness to become that type of player since the days of J.J. Watt.
No. 3 - Arizona Cardinals
OL Mark Evans II - Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Kyler Murray needs protection to deliver the football to DeAndre Hopkins and his teammates in the receiving corps. Evans is a graduate student at UAPB. He most likely will become an offensive guard and could solidify Cardinals' offensive line.
No. 4 - Indianapolis Colts
DE Joshua Pryor - Bowie State
Pair Pryor's size and speed with South Carolina State alum Shaquille Leonard on the Colts' defense, and watch them terrorize opponents for years! Pryor has been shooting up draft boards after his week in New Orleans at the HBCU Combine and HBCU Legacy Bowl. The 2022 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year was a fast, disruptive, and end the Team Robinson backfield more than their running backs in the game. Expect the 6-5 and 240-pound pass rusher to impact wherever he lands.
No. 5 - Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)
WR Xavier Smith - Florida A&M
The HBCU Legacy Bowl MVP will complement the blazing speed of DK Metcalf and the savvy of Tyler Lockett for Geno Smith to target. He burned the New Orleans Saints indoor-practice facility's turf running 4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Smith is mini-version of the great receiver, Steve Smith Sr. He knows how to get open and become a play-maker on offense and special teams.
Feb 25, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; Team Gaither quarterback Jalen Fowler (11) is sacked by Team Robinson defensive lineman Jason Dumas (1) during the second half of the HBCU Legacy Bowl at Yulman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
No. 6 - Detroit Lions (from LA Rams)
DL Jason Dumas - Southern University
James Houston IV (8 sacks as a rookie) has proven that a talented HBCU product can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks with 2022 No. 1-pick defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Why not add more pressure with HBCU Legacy Bowl's Defensive MVP Dumas collapsing the pocket?
DL Jordan Nelson II celebrates a tackle at the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl; Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
No. 7 - Las Vegas Raiders
DL Nelson Jordan II - Alabama State
The Hornet likes to harass signal-callers at 6-3 and 250 pounds. The Raider Nation will fall in love with Jordan in Allegiant Stadium. He recorded 2.5 sacks in the HBCU Legacy Bowl. His massive sized and strength are difficult to ignore for a defensive coordinator.
OL Robert Mitchell, NCCU; Credit: NCCU Athletics
No. 8 - Atlanta Falcons
OL Robert Mitchell - North Carolina Central University
Mitchell could solidify a porous offensive line and protect quarterback Desmond Ridder in the Falcons' pocket for years. The 2022 HBCU National Champion anchored the Eagles' offensive line that was dominant in the run game. Still, Mitchell defends well in against an aggressive pass rush - examine how he shutdown Jackson State in the 2022 Celebration Bowl. He will be a guard or center option in the NFL.
Bethune Cookman University's big tight end Kemari Averett #1 rumbles down field, Saturday September 24, 2022 as the Grambling State defenders give chase at Daytona Stadium. Dtb Bcu Football 1; Credit:© David Tucker / USA TODAY NETWORK
No. 9 - Chicago Bears (from Carolina)
TE Kemari Averett - Bethune-Cookman University
Averett is a dual-threat receiver for the Bears' ultra-talented quarterback Justin Fields. He could be used as a safety valve in the intermediate areas and be a mismatch against a nickel cornerback or linebacker with his 6-6 and 260-pound frame. The Wildcat is a wildcard for an NFL team. He game resembles NFL TE Darren Waller.
CB Isaiah Bolden; Credit: JSU Athletics
No. 10 - Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans)
CB Isaiah Bolden - Jackson State
The 6-2,205-pound cornerback would easily transition into the nickel-corner role vacated by Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Bolden ran a 4.33 40-yard dash and jumped 38 inches (vertical) and 10-9 (broad jump) at the Jackson State Pro Day in front of NFL scouts. The former JSU Tiger will be a steady performer at the next level.
HBCU Legends will have the picks 11-31 on Wednesday.
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