HBCU Football: 4 players who will make an impact in the NFL in 2022

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Feb 1, 2022; Mobile, AL, USA; National defensive back Joshua Williams of Fayetteville State (30) defends against National running back Rachaad White of Arizona State (3) during National practice for the 2022 Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Joshua Williams, DB, Fayetteville State (Drafted by Chiefs)

Fayetteville State defensive back Joshua Williams was the first HBCU player taken in this draft. The Kansas City Chiefs took the Broncos’ standout in the fourth round. Williams is the prototype defensive back for the modern NFL. There might be some concern about him coming from a Division II school, but if you can ball, you can ball.

Williams is one of a bevy of defensive backs the Chiefs brought in this season. The Chiefs took defensive backs with its first two picks. Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie went in the first round and Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook went in the second. Williams could compete to be the third or fourth corner as a rookie.

Where Williams lands depends on how the game slows down for him. The speed and athleticism of the game are the two biggest adjustments coming from a D-II school. Williams, however, has tremendous instinct and feel for the game. Those attributes will serve him well as he transitions to the next level.

Williams as a bigger corner puts you in the mind of longtime Philadelphia Eagles and Notre Dame corner Bobby Taylor. Williams can get physical but has the recovery speed to catch wide receivers if they break press coverage.

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