Carson Vinson didn’t just get drafted—he made a statement.
With the 141st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Alabama A&M offensive tackle Carson Vinson, making him the first HBCU player taken this year. It’s a major win not just for the Bulldogs, but for the entire HBCU football community.
1. Breaking a 14-Year Silence for Alabama A&M
Vinson is the first Alabama A&M player drafted since 2011 and the program’s first offensive player picked in over 30 years. His selection sends a clear message: elite talent still lives and thrives at HBCUs. In 2024, he earned first-team All-SWAC and AP FCS All-American honorable mention honors, allowing just two sacks across 447 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
2. Proving Ground at the Senior Bowl
The North Carolina native was the only HBCU athlete invited to both the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl. “That Senior Bowl was able to put me on a stage where I could really prove myself against the best-of-the-best,” Vinson said. His consistent play against Power Five defenders turned heads and answered any doubts about his ability to compete at the next level.
Alabama A&M OL Carson Vinson competes at the Senior Bowl
© Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
3. Loyalty and Legacy
In an era of constant transfers, Vinson stayed loyal to Alabama A&M for four seasons. “You can go anywhere you want to from the institution that you’re at,” he said. His commitment paid off—on draft day and in the legacy he leaves for future HBCU athletes.
In an era of constant transfers, Vinson stayed loyal to Alabama A&M for four seasons. “You can go anywhere you want to from the institution that you’re at,” he said. His commitment paid off—on draft day and in the legacy he leaves for future HBCU athletes.
The Takeaway
Vinson’s draft moment is bigger than football. It’s a reminder that HBCU programs continue to produce NFL-caliber talent—and deserve national attention. For every overlooked player still grinding, Vinson’s story is the blueprint.
