A Staff Report

Several players from HBCU’s and players from the International Players Pathways program had strong workouts in front of NFL scouts at the Washington Commanders’ facilities in Ashburn, Virginia.

 

Most players were hoping to impress enough to land a spot into the late rounds of the upcoming draft or perhaps land an undrafted free agency deal or rookie minicamp invitation.

 

 

This even was held in addition to the HBCU combine which was held in New Orleans in February, during the run-up to the annual HBCU Legacy Bowl.

 

 

This year, the NFL used this showcase which allowed prospects additional time to recover from the season, train and perform at their peak.

 

The event was held over three days, which concluded on Monday.

 

Prospects interview with NFL Scouts and ran position drills with the draft set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

 

NFL teams were in attendance in Virginia to watch 45 HBCU draft prospects, including many from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

 

 

Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter, who has had a fantastic offseason, was impressive at the showcase.

He lead the MEAC in tackles with 102 last season and was tied for second in tackles for loss with 14. Hunter is 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds. Scouts like his frame and mobility although he’ll need to add some pounds or consider a move to safety.

 

 

Some of the other players who had strong performances including North Carolina Central running back Chris Mosely, Alcorn State running back Jacorian Sewell and Florida A&M offensive lineman Ashton Grable.

 

 

Mosley, who’s 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, rushed for 1,017 yards and was the MEAC’s second-leading rusher last season. He ran an unofficial 4.68 in the 40-yard dash.

Sewell ran a 46 and had a 36-inch vertical.

 

Grabel helped the Rattlers rush for more than 1,600 yards last season.  He lifted 225 pounds 28 times on the bench press.