HBCU Football: The top 10 HBCU NFL Draft Prospects

Zachary Leslie- Wide Receiver, North Carolina A&T

Sometimes out of sight, out of mind, is not a good thing. Leslie was on many scouts’ radars coming into last fall. The MEAC decided to cancel its season instead of playing in the spring. All indications point to Leslie looking toward the NFL draft instead of using his extra year of eligibility.

If Leslie decides to enter the draft, he’d be a late-round pick or HPFA. Despite not having played football in a season, the North Carolina A&T graduate has tools that NFL scouts like. Leslie has prototypical size at 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds.

Scouts would like to see how well he runs during a pro day, however. Leslie was clocked at 4.46 in the 40-yard dash in 2019, but scouts would want to clock him independently.

While at A&T, Leslie displayed reliable hands and the ability to play on the perimeter or in the slot. Leslie is the type of receiver who can be a reliable possession receiver who can move the chains or make a big play down the field. During his three seasons playing at A&T (two as a starter), Leslie was productive every season, leading a run-heavy offense in receptions in 2019.

Scouts might be concerned that despite being productive at A&T, Leslie never dominated the competition. Some of that could be due to the scheme and the Aggies wanting to run the football. Though Leslie is 203 pounds, he’s shown the willingness to block on the perimeter, and his frame can hold more weight.

Leslie’s reliable hands and ability to get open should get him a look at the next level should he decide not to take his extra year.