Redskins could consider CB Adonis Alexander in supplemental draft
The Washington Redskins don’t necessarily need to add cornerback talent. But with an opportunity to add Adonis Alexander, they may consider going after him in the 2018 supplemental draft.
The supplemental draft in the NFL is often an overlooked portion of the offseason. It doesn’t garner as much attention as the NFL Draft, and rightfully so as it involves far less action, but some quality players have come from the supplemental draft. Notably, Bernie Kosar, the last solid starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, was a first round pick in the 1985 supplemental draft. And since the turn of the millennium, talents like Ahmad Brooks and Josh Gordon have been selected and turned into quality contributors.
Of course, players in the supplemental draft often come with some sort of issues attached to them. Frequently, they are either deemed academically ineligible or are dismissed from their respective teams. And since there are so few players that meet the profile for this, there aren’t usually many players to be selected. That’s part of the reason that only three players have been chosen via supplemental picks since 2011.
However, 2018 could offer the first supplemental pick since the Rams took Isaiah Battle in 2015. Virginia Tech’s Adonis Alexander is going to enter his name into the mix after being ruled academically ineligible. This statement came via NFL agent Andy Ross.
This is an unfortunate situation for Alexander, as he was considered to be a potential mid-round talent next season. He sports a 6-foot-3 frame and he put forth solid performance in each of his three seasons at Virginia Tech. He totaled 125 tackles and seven picks during his career and while his numbers decreased each year, it stemmed more from players avoiding targeting him than a drop-off in performance. So, he clearly has some talent and could be an NFL caliber corner.
With improved performance, Alexander could have moved into second round consideration. But now, the lanky corner won’t get a chance to do so. But hearing his name called in the supplemental draft seems likely, and the Washington Redskins could have interest in him.
On the surface, the Redskins don’t have a need for a young player at corner. They already have third round pick Fabian Moreau and two seventh rounders in Greg Stroman and Joshua Holsey battling for playing time. And that’s not to mention potential starter Quinton Dunbar, who doesn’t turn 26 until late-July. That said, taking a risk on Alexander could prove to be a smart move for the Redskins for a multitude of reasons.