THE NATIONAL SPORTS REPORT PRESENTS: 2025 HBCU COMBINE—THE HUNT FOR SLEEPERS AND STARS
New Orleans, Louisiana. A stage set for those who refuse to be overlooked. The 2025 HBCU Combine wasn’t just about numbers—it was about proving something, about putting your name in the conversation, about making scouts second-guess their initial draft boards. The stakes? Sky-high. The results? Some familiar names, some unexpected risers, and a few game-changers who might’ve just turned heads in front offices across the league.
THE HEADLINERS
These are the guys who didn’t just show up—they made a statement. The ones who might’ve been underestimated, but after their performances, someone in an NFL war room is saying: “We need to take another look at this kid.”
Myles Crawley (QB, Grambling State)
• Measurables: 6’3 5/8”, 223 lbs, 10 2/8” hands
• Key Numbers: 4.78 40-yard dash, 35” vertical, 10’ broad jump
Crawley showed he’s got the size, mobility, and raw arm strength that could make him a late-round developmental prospect. He’s a classic pocket passer who can move when needed, and his measurables suggest he’s got the athleticism to make it work. Think of teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers or New England Patriots—teams that love to stash and develop QBs with tools.
Joaquin Davis (WR, North Carolina Central)
• Measurables: 6’4 1/8”, 192 lbs, 32 7/8” arms
• Key Numbers: 4.44 40-yard dash, 40.5” vertical, 10’2” broad jump
Davis was built in a lab for deep threats. A big-bodied receiver with elite leaping ability? That’s the kind of guy teams stash on the back end of the roster to become a red-zone monster. The Kansas City Chiefs, who love to take swings on speedsters, could see him as a Mahomes project. The Baltimore Ravens, always needing reliable size at WR, might have a serious interest as well.
Irv Mulligan (RB, Jackson State)
• Measurables: 5’9 3/8”, 198 lbs, 30 6/8” arms
• Key Numbers: 4.58 40-yard dash, 35.5” vertical, 10’1” broad jump
Mulligan checks the boxes for explosiveness and burst. He’s the type of back who can work in a committee system but has the juice to make plays in space. The San Francisco 49ers, who love versatile, one-cut-and-go backs, could see Mulligan as a rotational fit. The Miami Dolphins, another team built on speed and scheme versatility, could also be intrigued.
Robert McDaniel (S, Jackson State)
• Measurables: 6’2 3/8”, 213 lbs, 32 4/8” arms
• Key Numbers: 4.55 40-yard dash, 38.5” vertical, 14 bench reps
Physical. Explosive. A true downhill safety with elite closing speed. The guy doesn’t hesitate to lay the wood, and he’s got range. This is the type of defensive back that aggressive defenses love. Look for the Seattle Seahawks, who still believe in their “Legion of Boom” blueprint, to be intrigued. The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that values tough, high-IQ safeties, might see him as a future contributor.
Fred Stokes (EDGE, Prairie View A&M)
• Measurables: 6’5 5/8”, 255 lbs, 32 7/8” arms
• Key Numbers: 4.76 40-yard dash, 35.5” vertical, 10’4” broad jump
There’s something about a 6’5” edge rusher who can run sub-4.8. That’s just nightmare fuel for offensive tackles. Stokes’ long frame, burst, and ability to explode off the line makes him an intriguing pass-rush project. A team like the New York Jets, who need young, cheap pass rushers, could give him a long look. The Dallas Cowboys, always looking for another athletic freak to rush the passer, could be in play as well.
Quantez Mansfield (DT, North Carolina Central)
• Measurables: 6’1 6/8”, 281 lbs, 32 2/8” arms
• Key Numbers: 4.94 40-yard dash, 25 bench reps, 32.5” vertical
Mansfield doesn’t just clog the middle—he moves. At just under 300 pounds, he still ran a sub-5.0 40, meaning he’s got legit burst for an interior defender. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, who are always stockpiling trench talent, might see him as a rotational guy. The Detroit Lions, looking for physical, high-motor defenders, could be a fit as well.
THE TEAMS TO WATCH
Some NFL teams have a reputation for mining gold from overlooked prospects. If you’re following these standouts, here’s where they might end up:
• Pittsburgh Steelers – They love hard-nosed, high-football-IQ players, especially from HBCUs. Robert McDaniel and Myles Crawley are right in their wheelhouse.
• Baltimore Ravens – Speed, size, and grit. Joaquin Davis and Irv Mulligan could fit in immediately.
• San Francisco 49ers – Scheme versatility is king. Mulligan and Quantez Mansfield are built for their system.
• Dallas Cowboys – Jerry Jones loves athletic gambles. Fred Stokes feels like a guy they’d take a shot on.
• Miami Dolphins – If you can run, they’re interested. Joaquin Davis and Mulligan fit the mold.
• Seattle Seahawks – If you hit hard and play fast, Pete Carroll will notice. Robert McDaniel might be their kind of guy.
FINAL WORD
This wasn’t just a combine—it was a showcase. A proving ground. These players walked in as names most NFL fans have never heard. They left as legitimate prospects. Some will get drafted. Some will land in training camps as undrafted free agents. But make no mistake—every single guy who showed out in New Orleans just made it a lot harder for NFL teams to ignore the talent coming out of HBCUs.
And in a league where everyone’s looking for the next hidden gem, the next breakout star, the question isn’t if one of these players will make it.
It’s when.
– Joseph Angel | Chief NFL Draft Analyst for TheNSR Network