Isaiah Bolden Becomes First HBCU Player Drafted in 2023 NFL Draft

Jackson State cornerback Isaiah Bolden became the first HBCU player drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Kyle T. Mosley | Apr 29, 2023

Isaiah Bolden Becomes First HBCU Player Drafted in 2023 NFL Draft /

Isaiah Bolden, a cornerback from Jackson State, was chosen by the New England Patriots as the 245th overall draft pick in the 7th round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

FkOX9IyX0AA9eY3 — CB Isaiah Bolden; Credit: JSU Athletics

In this year's draft, Bolden became the first HBCU football player selected ahead of teammate LB Aubrey Miller Jr. and FAMU's DE Isaiah Land. He showcased his impressive speed as a defensive back and kick returner by running a 4.33 at the Jackson State Pro Day, where numerous scouts observed him.

FtjPt_OWwAEASQQ — Bolden's RAS; Credit: RAS Football Information

A defender weighing 203 pounds and standing at 6-2 left Florida State in 2020 to play for Deion Sanders and Jackson State in 2021. That season, he led both FBS and FCS in kickoff return average with 36.9 and scored two touchdowns.

The Tampa native had an impressive week participating in the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. At Jackson State in 2022, Bolden had 44 tackles (30 of which were solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and seven pass breakups. Additionally, he averaged 26.0 yards on kickoff returns. Bolden received recognition as the second-team SWAC cornerback and fourth-team kick returner for Phil Steele.

Bolden will join a No. 2-ranked New England defense who allowed 3,181 passing yards and 21 touchdowns in 2022-23. The Patriots were second in the league with 23 interceptions.

Published Apr 29, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: