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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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Right tackle Calvin Johnson posed in front of some of the hardware inside the Galimore-Powell Field House at FAMU on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. He shared this moment with offensive line coach Alex Jackson (left) and head coach Willie
Right tackle Calvin Johnson posed in front of some of the hardware inside the Galimore-Powell Field House at FAMU on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. He shared this moment with offensive line coach Alex Jackson (left) and head coach Willie /

6. Calvin Ashley, OT, Auburn/Florida A&M (Buccanneers)

Pictures of Calvin Ashley in street clothes look intimidating. At 6-foot-7 and 330 pounds, Ashley looks like the real deal coming off of the bus. Unfortunately, he is yet another on this list who was a victim of out of sight, out of mind.

Though Ashley is raw, he is more talented than many late-round offensive linemen who are projects. However, by his size, Ashley is a difficult tackle to get around. In addition, Ashley was a five-star when he signed with Auburn in 2017.

Ashley transferred after two years at Auburn. Initially, he went to Florida Atlantic, ultimately signing with the Florida A&M Rattlers. Ashley started seven games for FAMU in 2019, and the MEAC canceled their season in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Though Ashley primarily played tackle in college, he does project as a guard and needs a lot of technique work. Often the better athlete on the field, Ashley got by in the MEAC with his far superior size and strength, something he cannot do in the pros.

His physical attributes make Tampa Bay the perfect situation. Ashley can develop on a team, not in dire need of offensive line help. All five of Tampa’s starters are under 30, and both guards are under contract. So Ashley can go and learn for two or three years.

At worst, if Ashley develops, he could be a trade asset for the Bucs if not a starter down the line.

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