HBCU Bowl: Top 10 Prospects For The 2023 NFL Draft

With the Second Annual HBCU Legacy Bowl in the books, NFL Draft Bible examines the top prospects in attendance at the New Orleans based all-star event.

Thanks to HBCU legends Shack Harris and Doug Williams, the Second Annual HBCU Legacy Bowl Presented By The Black College Football Hall of Fame returned to Tulane University. The new showcase is an opportunity for players from historically black colleges and universities to perform in front of pro scouts. A unique aspect to the HBCU Bowl is the HBCU Combine, which preceded the week of practices.

There were 30 scouts on hand from various leagues, including the NFL, CFL, USFL and XFL, according to game officials—Omar Kahn of the Pittsburgh Steelers was the only NFL general manager on-site. Southern had the most players represented with seven. This is a growing event that will only continue to evolve. Below is a list of the top 10 prospects from the HBCU Combine and Legacy Bowl game, according to NFL Draft Bible.

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Top 10 HBCU Bowl Prospects

CB Keenan Isaac, Alabama State, 6020, 186 – One of the best kept secrets of the 2023 NFL Draft, Isaac can be viewed as a cornerback or safety at the next level. His physicality and upside make him a strong candidate to hear his name called on Day Three.

TE Kemari Averett, Bethune-Cookman, 6054, 260 – A big time pedigree prospect with size, speed and athleticism, Averett originally began his career at Louisville. He was clearly one of the most talented players at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl but he comes with off-field questions.

RB Darius Hagans, Virginia State, 5113, 205 – The big, bruising Hagans was a pleasant surprise during the combine, turning in a 4.40 forty-yard dash. He played under Reggie Barlow (DC Defenders) early on during his collegiate career and is well-coached up.

CB De’Jahn ‘Nugget’ Warren, Jackson State, 6000, 185 – A Deion Sanders protégé, Warren garnered attention by registering a 4.36 forty-yard dash. While his work ethic has been called into question at times, his speed, frame and instincts will be appealing to NFL teams.

WR Xavier Smith, Florida A&M, 5090, 170 – Possibly the biggest star of the week, Smith turned in a pair of notable forty-yard dash times, coming in at the 4.4-range on both attempts. He owns top-flight speed, is a solid route runner and duals as an explosive return man.

DE Andrew Farmer II, Lane, 6036, 260 – Those teams who seek a developmental edge rusher may want to give Farmer II a hard look-see. He demonstrated excellent bend off the edge, along with violent hands and met with nearly every NFL team in attendance.

DL Joshua Pryor, Bowie State, 6046, 255 – There are various ways to employ Pryor at the next level, as he has played every position along the defensive line and has fluctuated his weight accordingly. Blessed with a high motor, he was a dominant force during one-on-one drills.

QB Jalen Fowler, North Carolina A&T, 6030, 230 – A tall, accurate signal-caller, Fowler made great strides on his anticipation and awareness this past season. Multiple NFL teams showed interest, as he checks off the boxes in the size, arm strength and athleticism departments.

RB Tyler King, Edward Waters, 5104, 190 – A transfer from Marshall, King flashed the ability to develop into a backend rotational runner due to his size, burst and change of direction but will need to earn his way onto a roster via special teams.

WR JJ Holloman, Tennessee State, 6016, 215 – A former four-star recruit, Holloman began his career at Georgia, with a pitstop at FIU. His size, length, quickness and hands are all positive attributes but NFL teams will want to gather details on his dismissal at UGA.

Follow us for on location coverage of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine @NFLDraftBible, we will have live shows, Twitter spaces, updates and the latest rumors from inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

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