Jadakis Bonds, WR, Hampton
Bonds is yet another player on pace to best his already impressive production. He’s listed at 6’4”, and combines route running and body control to make a dangerous receiver. He’s put up nearly 600 yards and eight touchdowns in just seven games. He’s improved each year, and looks to be the first Hampton Pirate drafted since 2011.
Kemari Avarett, TE, Bethune-Cookman
Avarett came on extremely strong in 2021, as he was the only Bethune-Cookman player to have more than two touchdowns or 25 receptions, as he hauled in 10 TD’s on 51 total catches. He was a bright spot on a Bethune-Cookman team that went 2-9. He’s providing that same light this year with 27 catches for 337 yards and four touchdowns as the Wildcats stand at 2-6. The last two players to be drafted out of Bethune-Cookman were Nick Collins and Rashean Mathis in 2003 and 2005, respectively. Both made All-Pro teams as defensive backs. Approaching nearly a 20-year drought, Avarett looks to break that streak.
Michael Jurgens, C, Wake Forest
Some may consider this cheating, as a top-20 team isn’t usually considered a small school. However, they are the smallest Power 5 school, and the 4th smallest non-service academy. And most importantly, they’re the team I root for! Not everyone can manage in Wake Forest’s slow RPO offense, where plays take ages to develop. Jurgens manages, however, with good lower body strength and anchor. He has stayed consistent for quarterback Sam Hartman as the team etches its name into ACC history during the best era in team history. Jurgens will look to be part of a class that continues a 6-year streak of Wake Forest players getting the big call in April.
Isaiah Land, Edge, Florida A&M
Land is another player who has just incredible production. Last year, he put up nineteen sacks, three forced fumbles and 55 pressures (per PFF). He was named First Team FCS All-American and led the country in sacks. He hasn’t matched the sack numbers, but is still delivering plenty of pressure (19 through 5 games). He’s a long and athletic player who can move well. If drafted, he’d be the first Rattler since Brandon Hepburn in 2013 get his name called. He would join Markquese Bell, a Cowboys 2022 UDFA, as the only active players from Florida A&M.
Andre Carter, Edge, Army
Everyone knows about Andre Carter II at this point. Army, however, hasn’t had a player drafted since 2008, has just four total since the NFL-AFL merger. Carter II will attempt to break the 14 year drought, possessing legitimate day one talent. He’s a physical specimen listed at 6’7”, 260 pounds. He’ll likely measure in with nearly 34” arms at the combine. He hasn’t quite matched his production from last year, but has taken significantly less pass rush snaps. The talent is there, and a NFL team will bet on it, possibly on day one.
Jacob Dobbs, LB, Holy Cross
Dobbs hails from the college on this list with the longest NFL Draft drought… by far. The last Holy Cross Crusader to be drafted was Rob McGovern in the 10th round in 1989. Dobbs does it all for Holy Cross. He can tackle, cover, and pass rush. He has closing speed, play recognition, and just comes to play. It’s a tough road to being drafted for a player at Holy Cross, but Dobbs looks to defy the odds.