HBCU Players Find NFL Path via Free Agency

0:00It's April 26th. This is NFL News Today football coverage, powered by AI. For the third time since 2020, no players got picked straight out of HBCU programs in the NFL draft. That's a tough trend hitting historically. Black colleges and universities, even with solid talent shining on those fields. This draft was stacked with picks from every college level, but HBCUs missed out on direct selections again. Free former HBCU standouts, who transferred to bigger FBS schools, did hear their names called though. Kevin Coleman from Jackson State, Karen Prunty out of North Carolina, A&T, and Eric Fuller from UAPB all got drafted after making those moves. It highlights how top HBCU prospects, chase name, image, and likeness cash, plus better shots at Pro Ball. Staying loyal at an HBCU often means skipping the draft spotlight, pushing players toward free agency instead. Riches and fans see this as a shift in college football, where transfers open doors believe

1:00programs behind. The impact stings for HBCU legacies built on developing NFL talent. Undrafted free agency kicked off quick with HBCU players landing real chances. Janaylin DePree from Jackson State signed with the Cleveland Browns, Eric Hunter from Morgan State joined the Detroit Lions and Jamari Taylor from NCCU got a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. All of us like Jalen Shelton from Prairie View A&T and Jeremiah Williams from Jackson State earned rookie mini-cam spots with the Falcons and Vikings. These paths keep the HBCU pipeline flowing to the league, proving talent finds a way no matter the route. Eyes stay on camp battles and training squads for more breakthroughs ahead.