The upcoming NFL Draft is a pivotal moment for teams, as the initial 100 selections often garner the most attention. However, the true success of the draft lies in a team’s ability to unearth hidden talents in the later rounds. Identifying these underappreciated prospects can significantly impact a team’s future, transforming their roster and enhancing overall performance.

Notably, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have frequently been overlooked in the scouting process, despite their rich legacy of producing exceptional NFL talent. After a disappointing outcome in 2021, where no players from HBCUs were selected, cornerback Joshua Williams made history as the first of four HBCU players chosen in 2022 when the Kansas City Chiefs picked him at 135th overall from Fayetteville State University. Unfortunately, only one HBCU player was drafted in 2023, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by these institutions.

As the Chiefs prepare for the 2024 season, Joshua Williams exemplifies the potential of HBCU athletes transitioning to the NFL. Here, we spotlight four promising HBCU prospects that could catch the attention of the Chiefs and other teams as they refine their draft strategies and consider potential late-round steals. The following prospects have been evaluated based on their compatibility with Kansas City, drawing from recent scouting trends.

Explore the Talent of Alabama State Cornerback Mikey Victor

Prior to his tenure at Alabama State, Mikey Victor attended Ventura College in California, a junior college program that also produced Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson before his transfer to Washington State. Although Victor’s 4.64-second time in the 40-yard dash may seem underwhelming for his position, he boasts impressive size, standing at 6’2” with 34.5-inch arms. This stature aligns well with the cornerback profile that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has been targeting, particularly on the draft’s final day. During the East-West Shrine Bowl, Victor showcased versatility, as teams have expressed interest in him potentially transitioning to safety at the professional level.

Ultimately, the opportunity to showcase his skills is what Victor values most, regardless of the position he plays.

“I’d like to be a good field corner,” Victor shared during his media appearances. “I’d also love to excel as a safety or nickel… I just want to compete with the best out there.”

Victor proved his mettle during the Shrine Bowl practices, demonstrating his drive to the ball, particularly in run defense. This is a quality the Chiefs have prioritized in their recent strategy of scouting defensive backs who can contribute immediately in their rookie seasons.

“I think the difference between me and a lot of these players,” Victor noted, “is they’ve got a different logo on their helmet. We all compete the same. We’re all hungry.”

Discover Howard’s Promising Offensive Tackle Anim Dankwah

At just 9 years old, left tackle Anim Dankwah embarked on a journey from his home in Ghana, boarding a flight to join his father in Ontario, Canada. Unfamiliar with the game of football, his introduction to the sport came unexpectedly during a school-sponsored scavenger hunt, where he found himself in front of his high school football coach, who recognized his potential. Standing at an impressive 6’8” and weighing 353 pounds, Dankwah possesses over 35-inch arms and 9 and 3/4-inch hands, making him a formidable presence on the field.

As a raw prospect, Dankwah’s playing style is still developing. He tends to play upright and approaches blocks more