The 2023 HBCU combine is currently underway this week with a game to conclude the week’s activities. There is some great talent playing for teams in the HBCU and this week is all about them. There are 31 of the 32 NFL teams in attendance, as they scout the best players that the HBCU has to offer. Let's look at five defensive players that you need to know the names of.

Joshua Pryor, EDGE, Bowie State

Let's get started with one of the HBCU’s best defensive standouts, Joshua Pryor, of the Bowie State Bulldogs. Pryor possesses a huge frame (6’4”/280 lbs), with a lot of length, and has a more impressive game. He was not just a pass rusher, as he did an excellent job of holding the edge and making tackles, as well as being a factor on special teams, blocking kicks. Watching him compete in some of the drills today, you can see the burst, speed, and bend that has made him one of the top pass rushers in the country. All eyes will be on him this week as teams will evaluate him closely as to how he projects to the NFL.

Career Stats: 49 games, 245 tackles, 77 TFLs, 32 sacks, 3 PBUs, 4 FF, 3 BK

Jordan Lewis, EDGE, Southern

The next HBCU standout is Jordan Lewis from Southern University. He’s just as intriguing of a prospect as Pryor, but a completely different player. Lewis is strictly a pass rush specialist and that was how he was used at Southern. He has the size (6’3”/226 lbs) and production (26½ sacks) that will seemingly translate well to the next level. The questions will be can he withstand that large of a jump in competition and can he evolve into a more complete player? Lewis has lots of speed, burst, and athleticism that teams are going to love, but again is he capped at what NFL teams see that he can be?

Career Stats: 37 games, 98 tackles, 42 TFLs, 26½ sacks, 1 INT, 2 PBUs, 4 FF

Claudin Cherelus, LB, Alcorn State

We move along with the IDPs to watch at this week’s HBCU combine and Claudin Cherelus of Alcorn State will get a lot of attention. Cherelus has good size (6’2”/230 lbs) and shows good instincts and athleticism. In his two seasons at Alcorn State, he averaged 7½ tackles and 1.25 tackles for a loss per game. He’ll need to prove he can hold up in coverage reps and not be a liability. Like with all the prospects on this list, can they handle the jump in competition level? This is partly why it’s so important to test off the chart at this combine. Cherelus moves very smoothly and fluidly laterally and shows the speed needed at the position.

Career Stats: 20 games, 149 tackles, 25½ TFLs, 8 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBUs, 2 FF

Aubrey Miller Jr, LB, Jackson State

As I continue with the HBCU combine IDPs to watch list, here’s another name that you may not have heard of but definitely should know, Aubrey Miller Jr from Jackson State. Miller was a star in his two years at Jackson State, with Deion Sanders as the head coach. He recorded 100+ tackles in both seasons, but he’s more than just a run-stopper. This past season he put together a great year overall statistically. Miller recorded 117 tackles, 12 TFLs, two sacks, five forced fumbles, two recoveries, and six PBUs. The biggest skill was showing they he can more than hold his own in coverage situations He has the size (6’2”/225 lbs) and skillset to be an effective player at the next level and I’m excited to see where he gets drafted.

Career Stats: 26 games, 226 tackles, 23½ TFLs, 8½ sacks, 9 PBUs, 6 FF, 3 FR

Andrew Farmer, EDGE, Lane College

The final player to watch at this week’s HBCU combine and game is EDGE Andrew Farmer of Lane College. He’s a 6’4” Edge with length that makes a lot of plays (3.41 per game) behind the line of scrimmage. Major production that will get the attention of scouts. Farmer will have to show out at the combine and wow the scouts. He received an invite to the Hula Bowl All-Star game and made Emory Hunt of CBS Sports’ top 10 list for small college prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. There will be lots of buzz surrounding Framer who can play off the ball or as a SAM/EDGE and his potential at the next level. I’ll be interested to see who might give him that chance.

Career Stats: 18 games, 114 tackles, 44 TFLs, 17½ sacks, 5 PBUs, 2 FF

Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or dm me with any questions, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy