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Are the Redskins better off sitting out the supplemental draft?

By Ian Cummings

STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 3: Running back Tyreis Thomas #9 of the South Alabama Jaguars runs the ball past linebacker DeAndre Ward #28 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs and defensive back Brandon Bryant #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Starkville, Mississippi. The South Alabama Jaguars defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 21-20. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 3: Running back Tyreis Thomas #9 of the South Alabama Jaguars runs the ball past linebacker DeAndre Ward #28 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs and defensive back Brandon Bryant #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Starkville, Mississippi. The South Alabama Jaguars defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 21-20. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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The Redskins have to be eyeing the approaching NFL supplemental draft. But should they act on the opportunity to add a young player?

The NFL supplemental draft is set to occur tomorrow, and the Washington Redskins will have the chance to add to their defensive backfield. If they use a pick in this draft, however, they will lose a corresponding pick in next year’s NFL Draft.

There is very sound reasoning to pick a player from the draft. They have 11 picks next year, more than enough to use a selection here. And of all the position groups on the Redskins roster, one could argue that the secondary is the weakest position group. This doesn’t mean the group is weak, however. Simply unproven.

Five players are scheduled to be available in the NFL supplemental draft: Oregon State linebacker Bright Ugwoegbu, Grand Valley State running back Martayveus Carter, Mississippi State safety Brandon Bryant, Virginia Tech defensive back Adonis Alexander, and Western Michigan cornerback Sam Beal.

Of those five prospects the three defensive backs have gotten the most attention. and for good reason. All of those players have promising traits at the next level. Sam Beal has his high-floor, NFL potential. Adonis Alexander has his size and length. And Brandon Bryant has his speed and hard-hitting ability.

All these players have drawn interest from NFL teams, Redskins included. If they decide to pick a player, it’s not the end of the world. But are these the best gambles to take more than halfway through the offseason? Adonis Alexander has character concerns, and it’s dangerous to assume that reuniting him with Torrian Gray, Tim Settle, and Greg Stroman will alleviate those concerns.

Sam Beal and Brandon Bryant are safer bets; both were forced to enter the supplemental draft by minor academic issues. But despite that, there is uncertainty. Bryant, even with his rare speed, failed to produce on a consistent basis with the Bulldogs. Sam Beal is the safest prospect, but as a result, his value could be magnified by teams with an immediate need at cornerback. He could go as early as the second round.

Ultimately, the spoils might not be worth the cost for the Redskins in this year’s supplemental draft. The most common knock on the Redskins’ secondary is that it is unproven, and picking any of the aforementioned players will not change anything, in that regard. There’s so much uncertainty. Torrian Gray can work with that. But there are safer prospects in next year’s draft.

Next: Redskins have the glue to be a winning team in 2018

Judging by the Redskins’ performance in the 2018 NFL Draft, Kyle Smith knows how to scout and scour the later rounds for gems. It might be better for them to wait, save their pick for next year’s draft, conserve their current chemistry, and keep their next batch of young players on a later contract schedule. The implications are not great. But the smallest offseason moves can have the biggest impact.

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