Redskins should have interest in rumored supplemental draftees

It’s rare that the NFL Supplemental Draft has a lot of talent in it. For the 2018 season, it’s appearing possible that the supplemental draft might be one of the strongest in many years, particularly at the cornerback position.

The NFL Supplemental Draft doesn’t get a lot of fanfare, and it’s for good reason. To clarify for those who don’t know, the supplemental draft takes place in July each year, and only players who have not previously been drafted, and have circumstances that would affect their ability to play in college, are eligible.

Often, the most talented players declare for the actual NFL Draft. But occasionally, a few slip through the cracks. These players are almost always guys who chose to go back to school, but were declared academically ineligible or were dismissed from the program. There are other circumstances that could impact their decision as well, but often, those are the two most prevalent.

As such, there typically aren’t many players in the supplemental draft. And that’s why there has only be 43 players selected since it came into existence in 1977. But still, it can be a solid way to pick up quality prospects after the actual draft, provided that there are talented prospects in the supplemental draft.

In 2018, it appears that there will be more talent in the supplemental draft than usual. We already touched on Adonis Alexander’s declaration, and how he might fit with the Redskins. But NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero recently tweeted that a couple of other talented cornerbacks might be trying to get into the supplemental draft.

Two more notable names expected to apply for entry to the NFL supplemental draft, per sources: former Mississippi State DB Brandon Bryant and former Western Michigan CB Sam Beal. Both have draftable talent.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 6, 2018

Of the two players mentioned, the bigger name is Sam Beal. The Western Michigan product was considered to be one of the top cornerbacks in the 2019 NFL Draft class, and had he declared for the 2017 draft, he likely would have been a Day 2 pick.

Beal has very good ball skills and knows how to cover opposing receivers well. This makes sense because during his freshman season at Western Michigan, he was a receiver. Beal is still a bit raw as a corner, and he could stand to add some strength to his 6-foot-1, 185 pound frame. But the fact is that he has the requisite size and length needed to make an impact as an outside starter. Plus, he’s coming off a season that saw him get two picks and defend 10 passes. So, it’s clear that he has talent.

It’s possible that Beal could be the highest supplemental pick since Josh Gordon was a second rounder back in 2012. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him garner second round consideration in the supplemental draft, as teams will certainly be intriguing by his talent and skill set.

As for Brandon Bryant, he’s probably more of a mid-to-late round option, but he has good size and has put together three quality seasons at Mississippi State. So, his name should be paid attention to as well.

Redskins should have interest in players rumored to declare for 2018 Supplemental Draft

By Jacob Camenker | Jun 6, 2018

It’s rare that the NFL Supplemental Draft has a lot of talent in it. For the 2018 season, it’s appearing possible that the supplemental draft might be one of the strongest in many years, particularly at the cornerback position.