The NFL has made considerable efforts to generate more exposure and continue a pipeline for players from historically Black colleges and universities. Predraft events such as the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl have helped athletes at those institutions gain professional opportunities. After zero HBCU players were drafted in 2024, Alabama A&M offensive tackle Carson Vinson was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft by the Ravens. But zero HBCU players were drafted this past April.
What about the 2027 NFL draft class? Will we see some HBCU players get picked next April? This summer, I spoke to numerous coaches, scouts and evaluators and matched their scouting notes to my own to compile my annual watch list. Here are my top 10 draft-eligible HBCU prospects, including players from both the FCS and Division II ranks. (This list doesn't include recent transfers who didn't play at an HBCU school last season.)
1. Eric Zachery, CB, Prairie View A&M
HT: 6-foot-1 | WT: 185 pounds | Class: Junior
Zachery broke out in his second year as a starter last season, turning not just into one of the best HBCU players but also a top player in the entire FCS. A true press man corner, he has easy movement skills to turn and run with matchups. He also has the length to disrupt passing lanes, finishing with two interceptions and eight pass breakups in 2025.
Zachery is a very young prospect, turning 20 years old later this month. But he's the leader of one of the stingiest defenses in the FCS, which allowed only 17 points per game last season en route to Prairie View A&M's first SWAC championship since 2009.
2. Kam Sallis, S, Jackson State
HT: 6-foot-1 | WT: 222 pounds | Class: senior
Sallis is the type of safety who forces ball carriers to bite down on their mouthpiece when he comes into contact with them. After starting his collegiate career at Kansas State from 2023 to 2024, he totaled 53 tackles and two interceptions in a breakout season with the Tigers in 2025.
Sallis entered the transfer portal this past January, but he opted to return to Jackson State and was named the SWAC's preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Consistency in coverage is the next step for Sallis' development, as he's already outstanding in run support.