Why the Redskins should be involved in the 2018 NFL Supplemental Draft

The 2018 NFL Supplemental Draft is on Wednesday. For the first time in a while, it looks strong, and the Washington Redskins are in perfect position to benefit from this.

Most years, the NFL Supplemental Draft goes by with little fanfare. Since Isaiah Battle was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in 2015, no player has been selected in the post-draft selection fest. But 2018 figures to change that moving forward.

The 2018 supplemental draft class could be the best class in many years, and it features a trio of solid defensive backs who could make an impact in the NFL. These notable names are Sam Beal, thought to be a potential first-round pick in 2019, Adonis Alexander, who could have been a mid-rounder in 2018, and Brandon Bryant, a late-round prospect with upside.

Additionally, Oregon State linebacker Bright Ugwoegbu and Grand Valley State running back Martayveus Carter are eligible, but they aren’t likely to garner consideration from many teams.

The trio of defensive backs is certainly intriguing. It’s likely that at least two of them are going to be selected, but it’s unclear which team will take the chance on them. That said, the Washington Redskins have put themselves in position to be a player in the supplemental draft if they should choose to do so.

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Based on the compensatory pick formula that awards future picks to teams based on free agent signings, the Redskins are going to pick up four extra picks in 2019. That means that they will be armed with 11 picks in that draft class. While holding onto them would make them one of the powerhouses in the 2019 draft, they could opt to use one of the mid/late-round picks to pick up some talent now.

In short, the Redskins have an abundance of resources in an area where many don’t. Since the Redskins are likely to receive the highest compensatory selection in 2019 because they lost Kirk Cousins, they will be able to use a third-round pick in the supplemental draft, if they should choose to do so, and still retain the opportunity to select a player in the third-round of 2019. And since supplemental draft players often come at a discount, the Redskins could end up getting a talented player for pennies on the dollar.

For example, the aforementioned Beal was considered by some to be a potential first-rounder next year. But, he entered the supplemental draft and he may end up being a second-rounder. Or maybe even an early-third rounder. That’s not a lot to pay for a player with Beal’s upside. And though he would likely push a guy like Orlando Scandrick or Joshua Holsey off the roster, it could do a lot to set the Redskins up for future success at corner.

Similarly, Alexander would have been a potential late-Day 2 pick had he declared for the 2018 NFL Draft. In the supplemental draft, he may end up being a Round 4 or Round 5 player. The Redskins may be willing to pay that type of price to get a versatile corner/safety hybrid who has worked with and was recruited by current defensive backs coach Torrian Gray. That could be a great marriage for the Redskins, and it would add low-cost depth while still retaining 10 selections in the 2019 draft.

There are certainly some concerns with the Redskins getting involved in the supplemental draft. Since the team has young talent at corner, it may not be worth it to add another developmental player to the roster. And, if they keep an extra pick for 2019, they will have more freedom to move around.

But still, supplemental drafts like this come around once in a blue moon. Sometimes, it’s good to take a risk and add a talented player even if it’s not a position of need. The practice squad does exist for a reason, so they could try to stash one of their young assets there. And running with a very young secondary for one season may not be a backbreaker for the Redskins. It’s something they’re already planning on doing anyway.

And also, it’s worth noting that Josh Norman may not be a lock to make the roster in 2019 given his huge cap hit. So, adding a player to learn under him for a season may not be the worst idea.

Next: Riggo's Rag Podcast - 2018 NFL Draft backtrack

Time will tell if the Redskins agree, but getting involved in the supplemental draft could be a smart move. It’s something the team should at least consider in the coming days.

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