By Michael West, Contributing Writer
Every April, NFL fans gather in excitement to see who their team will draft. Historically speaking, at least one HBCU player gets drafted, and 2024 will be no different. Here are five notable players NFL scouts have had their eyes on the past 12 months:
- Offensive Lineman Anim Dankwah (Howard)
- Defensive Back Wilie Drew (Virginia State)
- Defensive End Sundiata Anderson (Grambling)
- Quarterback Davius Richard (North Carolina Central)
- Running Back Jarveon Howard (Alcorn)
NFL Linemen, whether on offense or defense, are highly sought prospects. They usually determine the fate of NFL teams every year, and they usually have a major impact in the playoffs. So, it is no surprise that Sundiata Anderson is considered to be the top HBCU prospect in this year’s NFL Draft.
In 2022, the notable defender had an outstanding 50 total tackles, 12 1/2 Tackles for Loss, and earned SWAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. NFL scouts raved about his prospects entering the 2023 season, and they were not disappointed. The 6 foot four, two hundred forty-five pounder posted 19 total tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble in 2023.
Anderson was more than a two-season wunderkind, as he played 11 games his Redshirt Junior year in 2021-garnering 37 tackles, 5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Overall, Anderson recorded an impressive 28 1/2 tackles for loss from 2021 to 2023. Possessing a slender, athletic build, the sleeky Defensive End uses his strong hands and his quick burst in pursuit of quarterbacks.
What impresses scouts is his high energy, even when he struggles to use power to shed blocks. Given he plays in the Southwestern Athletic Conference-not as well skilled in developing football players-NFL Scouts anticipate his Position coach will have little problem polishing his run pursuit and pash rush technique as he also bulks up to handle the physical requirements of playing in the NFL.
Anderson is projected to be a 5th or 6th round pick with high upside. NFL experts expect Anderson to develop into a formidable pash rusher because he demonstrates an ability to effectively apply pressure on the quarterback from both inside and outside of the pocket-a skill most edge rushers lack.
You can catch the NFL Draft starting tomorrow at 5 P.M. on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network.
