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New York Jets: How the Supplemental Draft could help future

By Michael Pallas

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 30: Adonis Alexander #36 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates a tackle during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 30: Adonis Alexander #36 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates a tackle during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Lane Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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The NFL is holding their annual Supplemental Draft on July 11, and it could be important for the future of the New York Jets.

Normally fans don’t pay close attention to the NFL’s Supplemental Draft, because notable players aren’t usually selected. However, fans of the New York Jets should pay close attention to 2018 Supplemental Draft, because a player that could play a key role on the team might end up being selected.

Virginia Tech cornerback Adonis Alexander was ruled academically ineligible for the 2018 season by the NCAA. Thus, he has applied for the 2018 NFL Supplemental Draft. He was eligible to enter the 2018 NFL Draft, be he decided to stay in Blacksburg for one more season prior to being ruled ineligible. Many people expected him to have his name called on Day 3 in the NFL Draft if he had entered.

Alexander is the type of cover corner that Todd Bowles likes. He’s big, can play man-to-man and is strong. He specializes in press coverage, which is key to the Jets style of defense.

In truth, football stats aren’t the be all and end all. In fact, they can’t tell the whole story. That said, some stats are more important than others. For cornerbacks, targets are one of those key stats. If a cornerback is targeted a lot, that means the quarterbacks don’t respect the ball skills. Alexander wasn’t targeted a lot. In fact, he was only targeted 29 times in 2017, and he allowed a dismal passer rating of 64.0.

He also showed some skills in the stopping receivers when they did make the catch. Alexander only allowed 45 yards after the catch for the entire season.

Alexander could be a good fit for the Jets rotation on the outside, and he could provide a slot corner for them against bigger slot receivers and tight ends on occasion. It could also signal the end of Buster Skrine.

Next: 2019 NFL Mock Draft: Way too early projection for next year

All told, Jets fans should pay close attention to see if they land Alexander. If they do, they’ll be adding to an already potent backend. He’d be a huge addition to this defense.

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