Four HBCU Football Players drafted in the 2019 NFL draft
Throughout the history of the NFL, HBCU grads have exemplified a standard of excellence on and off the field. In 2019, that standard will continue as four hbcu football players were drafted in the NFL draft.
Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State, Houston Texans
With the 23rd pick in the 2019 NFL draft, the Houston Texans drafted offensive tackle Tytus Howard from Alabama State University. He is the first Alabama State player to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft. He is 6’6” and weighs 308 lbs. He’s originally from Monroeville, Alabama.
As a senior in high school, he stood 6’3”. His mother sent the head coach of Alabama State a facebook message and told him that if he gives her son a chance, he will earn a scholarship. Her only request is that he take a look at his highlight video.
Tytus is a former high school quarterback and he ran a 5.05 seconds 40 yard dash at the NFL combine.
The Texans plan on letting him compete for a starting job and they say he’s a player that can play four offensive line positions.
He’s the Texans’ first first'-round offensive linemen since the AFC south franchise selected pro bowl left tackle Duane Brown out of Virginia Tech is 2008.
Quinton Bell, DE, Prairie View A&M, Oakland Raiders
With the 230th pick, the Oakland Raiders selected Quinton Bell from Prairie View A&M University.
When he arrived at PVAMU he was a 219 pound wide receiver. In 2018, he switched over to defensive end and collected 7.5 sacks.
At his pro day he was extremely impressive with his measurables. His forty time (4.38), vertical jump (41 inch), broad jump (11 feet) and bench press (23).
At 240 pounds, Bell will probably be used as a hybrid linebacker.
Darryl Johnson, DE, North Carolina A&T, Buffalo Bills
For the third consecutive year, a North Carolina A&T football player was selected in the NFL draft.
This year it was Darryl Johnson who was selected with the 225th pick by the Buffalo Bills.
He was the MEAC defensive player of the year.
At 6’6”, 253 pounds, Johnson was a 2018 FCS All-America pick with 10.5 sacks, 50 tackles and 19 tackles for loss.
He was NCAT’s first MEAC defensive player of the year since Chris McNeil in 1997, as well as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award for FCS’s top defensive player.
Joshua Miles, OL, Morgan State, Arizona Cardinals
Joshua Miles is a 6’5”, 314 pound lineman from Morgan State that was selected with the 248th pick by the Arizona Cardinals. He played both tackle and guard.
He showed how explosive he is with a 36-inch vertical leap.
He was a third team All-MEAC selection and team captain his senior year.
With 35 5/8” arms and a broad jump of 109 inches, Miles has the potential to contribute early.
