In what was expected to be a draft loaded with HBCU players, only 1 heard his name called. Sadly, it took until the 245th pick of the NFL Draft to hear Isaiah Bolden name called.
Bolden, a defensive back from Jackson State waited until the 7th round to be the first and only HBCU player drafted. However, their were player well qualified to go earlier.
FAMU had two players that were graded out as round 1-3 caliber players. Isaiah Land, edge rusher from FAMU was a stud his entire career. Land recored 29 sacks in his career. Furthermore, Land had 8 sacks in just 8 games played in 2022.
Equally surprising, FAMU wide receiver Xavier Smith also went without hearing his name called. Smith was electric his entire career at FAMU. Future Hall of Fame receiver Steve Smith said he was a steal in the draft.
Needless to say, something went wrong in this years NFL Draft. Immediately after the NFL Draft ended, multiple expected HBCU draftees got calls from multiple teams to sign un-drafted free agent contracts.
Xavier Smith is headed to the Los Angeles Rams, and Isaiah Land is headed to Dallas. Former Jackson state head coach Deion Sanders was displeased with the NFL.