Tag: Xavier Smith

Chiefs have shown interest in Florida A&M WR Xavier Smith

The #Chiefs have shown interest in the top HBCU receiver in the 2023 NFL draft, per report.

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to be connected to some Day 3 wide receiver prospects.

According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, the Chiefs are one of over a dozen teams to have an interest in Florida A&M WR Xavier Smith. The Bills, Panthers, Bears, Lions, Raiders, Chargers, Rams, Giants, Jets, Buccaneers and 49ers also appear to have some level of interest.

Smith was among the standouts at the HBCU combine this year, weighing in at 5-9 and 175 pounds and running a 4.3s 40-yard dash. He’s fresh off of an impressive 2022 campaign with the Rattlers, catching 87 passes for 1,021 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He ranked 13th in the FCS in receiving yards and tied for 10th in receiving touchdowns during the 2022 college football season.

Smith has a reputation as one of the best route runners at the FCS level, consistently creating separation against his opponents. He finished his career at Florida A&M with five multi-score games, including a three-touchdown performance against Alabama A&M in 2022. He has special teams experience as a return man, so you know that he has the Dave Toub stamp of approval in Kansas City.

Smith has been projected anywhere from a fifth-round draft pick to an undrafted free agent acquisition for teams. We’ll see where he ends up soon enough, with the 2023 NFL draft less than a week away.

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Florida A&M WR Xavier Smith reportedly draws interest from Panthers

The Panthers are among a group of at least 13 teams that have expressed interest in FAMU WR Xavier Smith.

The Carolina Panthers may be looking to capture a little lightning in a bottle from the 2023 NFL draft.

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, the team has expressed interest in Florida A&M University wideout Xavier Smith. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound pass catcher has also, per Wilson, caught the eyes of at least 12 other teams—including the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Smith began his college career in 2018, where he led the Rattlesnakes in receptions (52) and receiving yards (727) as a freshman. That campaign earned the Haines City, Fla. native Second Team All-MEAC honors.

His production would only balloon over the next three seasons—as he reeled in 77 balls for 1,159 yards and 11 scores in 2019. He finished up his stay in Tallahassee with 2,893 yards and 25 touchdowns on 228 catches.

The athletic receiver then went on to shine at the HBCU Combine, registering a blazing 4.38-second 40-yard dash.

Smith is projected to be a sixth or seventh-round selection.

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5 standouts from the HBCU Legacy Bowl

Taking a look at five players who stood out at the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl.

The second annual HBCU Legacy Bowl occurred Saturday, Feb. 25, in New Orleans, LA. The bowl game and HBCU Combine are part of an effort to highlight the talent level available at historically black colleges and universities.

Over 30 NFL scouts from the NFL and other football leagues attended to evaluate more than 90 players looking to boost or create their draft stock.

Here are five players who stood out at the HBCU Legacy Bowl:

4 prospects who stood out at the HBCU Combine

Here are four prospects who stood out at the HBCU Combine.

The Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Combine was held in New Orleans on Monday, showcasing an untapped pool of amazing athletes.

If you’re unfamiliar with the combine, Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, previously lauded the event for its opportunities.

“The HBCU Combine is part of honoring [a] legacy and making every effort to accelerate exposure of HBCU draft prospects to all NFL clubs,” Vincent said. “The game is better when all have the opportunity to compete.”

With players like linebacker Shaquille Leonard and defensive tackle Grover Stewart being HBCU products, the Indianapolis Colts know the potential talent available at this showcase type.

The HBCU Legacy Bowl is set for Saturday, Feb. 25, at 3:00 p.m. ET and will broadcast live on NFL Network.

Here are four prospects who stood out at the HBCU combine:

Florida A&M WR Xavier Smith shines at HBCU Combine

Florida A&M wide receiver Xavier Smith put on a show for NFL scouts Monday at the HBCU Combine

This year’s HBCU Combine was another huge success, and the event once again illuminated some talented prospects in the 2023 NFL draft class who are worthy of more attention.

One such name is Florida A&M wide receiver Xavier Smith, who put on a show for NFL scouts with his performance Monday.

Watch the video above to see some of Smith’s highlights from the day, as well as his interview with NFL Network’s Steve Wyche.

10 NFL draft prospects for the Eagles to watch at the HBCU Legacy Bowl

With the Scouting Combine fast approaching, we’re looking at 10 NFL draft prospects for the Eagles to watch at the HBCU Legacy Bowl

HBCUs have played a vital role in the development and popularity of the NFL, and as we head toward the NFL draft, some of college football’s top athletes will be on display this week.

On Monday, 47 NFL Draft hopefuls from HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) will participate in a Combine at the New Orleans Saints practice facility.

Then, practices will begin on Tuesday before the HBCU Legacy Bowl (Feb. 25, 4 p.m. ET, NFL Network).

Fayetteville State head coach Richard Hayes Jr. and North Carolina Central head coach Trei Oliver will coach Team Gaither (named after legendary Florida A&M coach Jake Gaither) at the Legacy Bowl. In contrast, Benedict College head coach Chennis Berry and Southern head coach Eric Dooley will lead Team Robinson (named after legendary Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson).

Last year, four HBCU prospects were drafted, including Fayetteville State’s Joshua Williams, who won a Super Bowl ring with Kansas City, and Jackson State’s James Houston, who had eight sacks as a Lions rookie.

With the Eagles having a limited amount of draft picks, we’re previewing 10 players to watch at the HBCU Legacy Bowl.