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HBCU Football: Top 10 undrafted NFL free agent signees in 2021

By Dante Pryor

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 5: Defensive back Bryan Mills #22 of the North Carolina Central Eagles makes a tackle on wide receiver Marcus Williams #80 of the Florida A&M Rattlers after a catch during the game at Bragg Memorial Stadium Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Rattlers defeated the Eagles 28-21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 5: Defensive back Bryan Mills #22 of the North Carolina Central Eagles makes a tackle on wide receiver Marcus Williams #80 of the Florida A&M Rattlers after a catch during the game at Bragg Memorial Stadium Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Rattlers defeated the Eagles 28-21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 30: Cornerback Bryan Mills #12 from North Carolina Central of the American Team defends Wide Reciver Cade Johnson #83 from South Dakota State of the National Team during the 2021 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 30: Cornerback Bryan Mills #12 from North Carolina Central of the American Team defends Wide Reciver Cade Johnson #83 from South Dakota State of the National Team during the 2021 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

1. Bryan Mills, CB, North Carolina Central (Seahawks)

Bryan Mills should have heard his name called during the draft. He has the game to play at the next level. Most of Mills’ weaknesses have little to do with technique. Mills has quick, fluid hips, and he can get in and out of breaks.

Mills has good speed to run with any wide receiver in the league, and at 6-foot-1, he is not going to get bullied by any of the bigger receivers in the pros. However, sometimes not getting drafted is a blessing in disguise.

The Seahawks’ defensive scheme is perfect for Mills’ skill set. Head coach Pete Carroll likes aggressive corners who get physical with wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. A knock on Mills is a lack of closing speed.

The Seahawks give their corners help over the top, usually in man or zone coverage, so even if Mills gets beat; there is safety help. Mills has exceptional ball skills and is a sure tackler on underneath routes.

There is a misconception that Mills does not have great technique, but the tape does not show that consistently. Mills has to adjust the level of competition to the NFL, but the NCCU standout is hungry and driven to succeed.

Seattle will be an excellent place for Mills, and their scheme will allow him to thrive.

Next. Way-too-early preseason Top 25 projections for 2021. dark

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