Before the 2022 NFL Draft began, Jackson State football coach Deion Sanders made a list of 16 HBCU football prospects who he felt deserved to be drafted.
It was part of a continued effort from the Pro Football Hall of Fame member to spotlight HBCU football and create more pathways to the NFL.
Four HBCU players were selected in the NFL Draft this year, a positive sign after no HBCU players were drafted in 2021. Sanders had two of the four players on his list.
ENDING THE DROUGHT: James Houston is first NFL Draft pick of Deion Sanders era.