Isaiah Bolden Becomes First HBCU Player Drafted in 2023 NFL Draft

In this year's draft, Bolden became the first HBCU football player selected ahead of teammate LB Aubrey Miller Jr. and FAMU's DE Isaiah Land. He showcased his impressive speed as a defensive back and kick returner by running a 4.33 at the Jackson State Pro Day, where numerous scouts observed him.  

A defender weighing 203 pounds and standing at 6-2 left Florida State in 2020 to play for Deion Sanders and Jackson State in 2021. That season, he led both FBS and FCS in kickoff return average with 36.9 and scored two touchdowns.

The Tampa native had an impressive week participating in the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. At Jackson State in 2022, Bolden had 44 tackles (30 of which were solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and seven pass breakups. Additionally, he averaged 26.0 yards on kickoff returns. Bolden received recognition as the second-team SWAC cornerback and fourth-team kick returner for Phil Steele.

Bolden will join a No. 2-ranked New England defense who allowed 3,181 passing yards and 21 touchdowns in 2022-23.   The Patriots were second in the league with 23 interceptions.