The supplemental draft is often filled with players that have major off or on field issues. This year is a bit different. There are a couple of players available that seemingly provide much more value than does the typical supplemental draft eligible player. Still, taking a player in the supplemental draft comes with risk. Teams that use a pick in the supplemental draft forfeit a pick in the next NFL Draft. For example, if the Jaguars take a player with a second round pick today in the supplemental draft, they will lose their second round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. And it's hard for supplemental picks to have an impact in year one, as they will have missed the entire offseason program. Players selected in the supplemental draft fail more often than not. While there are examples throughout history that suggest teams and players can find success here (Cris Carter, Josh Gordon), far more often than not the supplemental draft ends up being a wasted pick for the team.
For more info on how the supplemental draft works, click here. This year's crop may, however, provide value for team's - particularly the Jaguars - who could be in the market for depth at the cornerback position and a future replacement for AJ Bouye, who is one the highest paid cornerbacks in football. Let's take a look at two players that might be worth pursuing for the Jaguars. 1. Sam Beal Sam Beal is an ultra talented cornerback out of Western Michigan. He's in the supplemental draft due to an issue with credit hours. Other than that there are no off-field concerns of note. And on the field he is a true standout. At 6'1'' tall he has the length that teams like the Jaguars covet. While he didn't pick off very many passes at WMU, he consistently made plays on the ball, recording eight pass breakups in 2016, and 10 in 2017. His game doesn't come without flaws. At 187 lbs. he could stand to add some muscle mass. He also doesn't seem to be committed to stopping the run, which is a crucial element for CBs in Jacksonville. Still, he has all the tools to become an above average starting CB in the NFL and could be worth the risk. He'll likely go in the second round of the supplemental draft today, which could be too much for the Jaguars to give up, but the Jags should consider putting a big on him for the third round. You just don't find guys this talented in the middle rounds of the draft. 2. Adonis Alexander Adonis Alexander, a highly touted cornerback prospect from Virginia Tech, was thought of much more highly prior to his pro day workout, where he put up pedestrian numbers. Still, he has a natural ability to play press man and is a more than willing tackler. At 6'3'' and 197 lbs. Alexander has rare size at the CB position, something the Jaguars value. His off-field concerns are real - a marijuana related issue and being declared academically ineligible for the 2018 college football season - but Alexander has the potential to play a Richard Sherman type role in the NFL. He's not the best athlete, but with sound training and hard work Alexander could be an impressive CB in certain schemes. He'll likely be available in the third round and maybe even later. The Jaguars could certainly stand to add talent and depth at CB behind Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye, but do they think the potential reward outweighs the risk with either of these two prospects? We'll find out later today! |
