The 2024 NFL Draft has concluded and no HBCU player was selected in 257 picks, marking the first time since 2020 that no Black College football player was drafted. However, these top players have signed with teams as undrafted free agents and mini-camp invites.
Undrafted free agents are players eligible for the NFL Draft but were not selected. They are free to negotiate and sign with any team. On the other hand, mini-camps are designed to familiarize the newly drafted rookies with the NFL playing schemes, and they also allow coaches and team administrators to see their new players in action learning plays from their new team’s playbook.
Here are the players who received an offer and where they will play.
- DB – Jordan Toles, Morgan State – Baltimore Ravens
- CB – Willie Drew, Virginia State – Carolina Panthers
- RB – Ian Wheeler, Howard – Chicago Bears
- RB – Jarveon Howard, Alcorn State – Green Bay Packers
- LB – Jeblonski Green, South Carolina State – Indianapolis Colts
- CB – Mikey Victor, Alabama State – New England Patriots
- WR – Marcus Riley, Florida A&M – New York Jets
- OT – Anim Dankwah, Howard – Philadelphia Eagles
- EDGE – Sundiata Anderson, Grambling State – Seattle Seahawks
- OL – Aidan Hemphill, Texas Southern – Indianapolis Colts
- LB – Noah Washington, Morgan State – Minnesota Vikings
- OL – Tairiq Stewart, North Carolina A&T – New England Patriots
- RB – Terrell Jennings, Florida A&M– New England Patriots
- LB – Isaiah Major, Florida A&M – New Orleans Saints
- RB – Michael Chris-Ike, Delaware State – New York Jets
- EDGE – Patrick Godbolt, South Carolina State – New York Jets
- DB – Brandon Codrington, North Carolina Central – New York Jets
- WR – Taymon Cooke, North Carolina A&T – New York Jets
- QB – Aeneas Dennis, Benedict College – Pittsburg Steelers
- QB – Jeremy Moussa, Florida A&M – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- WR – RJ Mobley, Winston-Salem State – Chicago Bears
Various responses were expressed regarding the shortage of Black college players drafted. Some appreciated the autonomy that these players experienced, while others were frustrated with the NFL’s apparent lack of willingness to recognize the value of HBCUs. In the previous year, Deion Sanders, a former coach at Jackson State, stated that NFL teams who failed to draft players like Isaiah Bolden from HBCUs should feel ashamed.
It can be incredibly frustrating to witness events like the HBCU Combine and Legacy Bowl, which have the support of the NFL, not result in more players being drafted. It creates the impression of inclusivity, but when the same teams go on to sign numerous Black college players just hours – or sometimes even minutes – after the draft, it’s understandable why supporters of HBCUs might feel that the process is lacking.
Although we at HBCUs are aware of the value these institutions offer, I am confident that whenever and wherever HBCU players have the chance, they will continue to shine, whether during pro days, on the practice squad, or in the playoffs, when it matters most.
Remember, what matters is not how you get there, but what you do when you arrive!
Let’s wish all these young men the best of luck!
