Baltimore, MD — In a powerful moment for HBCUs and Black college football, Alabama A&M offensive lineman Carson Vinson has been selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 141st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, making him the only HBCU player drafted this year.
At 6-foot-7 and 314 pounds, Vinson is a force on the field. A native of Morrisville, North Carolina, he started 48 consecutive games at left tackle for Alabama A&M, anchoring the Bulldogs’ offensive line for five straight seasons. In 2024, he earned First-Team All-SWAC honors, capping off a standout collegiate career that drew attention beyond the SWAC.
Vinson’s hard work and dedication earned him an invite to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he was the only player from an HBCU to participate. His performance there solidified his draft stock and placed him firmly on the radar of NFL scouts.
“I think he’s a really polished, tough, tenacious guy,” said Ravens GM Eric DeCosta. “Carson Vinson was one of Coach Warhop’s favorite prospects — a small school guy with tremendous size and strength.”
Vinson’s selection is not just a personal milestone — it’s a reminder that HBCU programs are producing NFL-caliber talent and deserve broader recognition on draft boards. He becomes Alabama A&M’s first NFL Draft pick since 2011, and one of the few offensive linemen from an HBCU drafted in recent years.
The Ravens, known for developing linemen and valuing versatility, plan to begin Vinson’s transition into the pros under the mentorship of veterans like Ronnie Stanley. Analysts believe Vinson could eventually see snaps at both tackle and guard, giving Baltimore valuable depth and future potential on their offensive front.
For the HBCU community, Vinson’s draft moment stands tall — a beacon of what’s possible when talent, opportunity, and preparation meet. As he embarks on his NFL journey, Carson Vinson carries not only his personal dreams but also the pride of Alabama A&M and HBCUs across the nation.
We’ll be watching. And rooting for him all the way.
