PFR’s NFL Glossary: Supplemental Draft

The NFL’s supplemental draft allows teams to select players who, for one reason or another, were barred from entering the regular draft in the spring. When a team selects a player in the supplemental draft, they forfeit the corresponding pick in the regular draft next year. For example, if a team selects a player in the sixth round of the supplemental draft this year, they will have to give up their 2021 sixth round selection. 

In the past, teams have found gems in the supplemental draft. In 2011, the Raiders selected Ohio State quarterback and future standout NFL receiver Terrelle Pryor. In 2012, the Browns used a second round pick to take the talented and troubled Josh Gordon. Other supplemental draft alums include quarterback Bernie Kosar (Browns, 1985), wide receiver Cris Carter (Eagles, 1987), running back Bobby Humphrey (Broncos, 1989), wide receiver Rob Moore (Jets, 1990), nose tackle Jamal Williams (Chargers, 1998), and linebacker Ahmad Brooks (Bengals, 2006).

There were no players taken in the supplemental draft in 2016 or 2017, but the Giants snapped the cold streak when they selected Western Michigan cornerback Sam Beal in the third round of the 2018 draft. Then, in the sixth round, the Redskins tapped Virginia Tech cornerback Adonis Alexander. In 2019, defensive back Jalen Thompson (Cardinals) was the only player to hear his name called.

Last year, due the pandemic, the NFL cancelled the supplemental draft altogether. The draft is likely to return in 2021, likely on the week of July 12th.

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