2018 NFL Supplemental Draft: What type of talent can be available?

Many fans shrug off the NFL Supplemental Draft, assuming players of worth would have been taken in the traditional draft. Looking at a few success stories to correct that perspective.

Since its inception in 1977, the NFL Supplemental Draft has indeed provided NFL teams with outstanding talent. It was designed to allow players entrance into the NFL that had not been available for the traditional draft for whatever circumstances.

Much like hailing a taxi to work when your car breaks down, it has absolutely nothing to do with your job, or your job performance.

Consider the following tidbits.

The second in the NFL’s all-time sack leader category was a supplemental draft selection

In 1984, the NFL held a Supplemental Draft for those who had already signed contracts to play for the USFL or the CFL. While that specific draft was unique from the others, one of those drafted was the great Hall of Fame defensive end, Reggie White. His mark of 198 career sacks is two shy of the reigning king, Bruce Smith.

Four Hall of Famers were supplemental draft picks

Along with White, two others from that 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft went on to careers landing the in Canton. The first was the outstanding offensive lineman for the Viking and Broncos, Gary Zimmerman. The third, a name more familiar to many of you, the great 49er quarterback, Steve Young.

The 1987 NFL Supplemental Draft yielded the fourth Hall-of-Famer, and the only taken in a normal supplemental draft, being the great Vikings receiver, Cris Carter.

Cleveland Browns fans certainly found benefit through the supplemental draft

Perhaps a trick Eli Manning could have utilized rather than enduring years of stink-eye jokes following his NFL entrance, Bernie Kosar beat the odds and maneuvered his way home through the 1985 Supplemental Draft.

Although his career nearly went up in smoke, Josh Gordon was brought to Cleveland via the NFL Supplemental Draft in 2012. The 2018 season hopefully marks a new page in Gordon’s career and he may indeed prove one of the best supplemental selections in history.

Another remarkable receiver to leave a mark in Cleveland was actually a supplemental draft pick as a quarterback. Terrelle Pryor is currently on the Jets roster, but his career began by way of the 2011 supplemental draft. Pryor is only the second player in NFL history to record 1,000-yard seasons in both rushing and receiving. His 1,000 yard receiving year was with the Cleveland Browns.

The unique 1984 draft mentioned earlier also yielded a significant amount to Cleveland. The Browns faithful may notice additional team-favorites in the 1984 Supplemental Draft Pro-Bowler section below.

“The Boz” began through the supplemental draft

One of the most notable personalities in NFL history, Brian Bosworth entered the league through the Supplemental Draft in 1987. I have a personal liking of “The Boz” not only for his personality and acting career, but also because of his shoulder-related struggles, something that I too know a little bit about.

Aside from his remarkable off the field career, he was a tremendous linebacker for the short period of time said shoulders allowed him to play. He was in fact named to the 1987 NFL All-Rookie Team. Bosworth also got some notoriety as a real-life hero. Not only did he give CPR to a fallen man, he also lent a helping hand to a woman in a serious car crash.

Supplemental draft Pro-Bowl talents

Aside from those already mentioned, many supplemental draft picks have proven themselves on the field at a level worthy if the Pro Bowl.

Of the players mentioned above, only Pryor and Bosworth did not have Pro-Bowl appearances. While Bosworth likely would have, as Pryor continues to grow into his role as a wide receiver he may yet do so.

Of the remaining Pro-Bowlers, wide receiver Rob Moore earned an additional accolade, having led the league in receiving yardage in 1997 with 1,584 yards. He also was selected to the 1990 NFL All-Rookie Team. He earned two Pro-Bowl appearances first with the Jets in 1994 and again with the Cardinals in 1997.

Other traditional Supplemental Draft Pro-Bowlers (Pro Bowl year)

• Jamal Williams, DL/NT – Chargers (2005, 2006, and 2007)
• Bobby Humphreys, RB – Broncos (1990)
• Mike Wahle, OL – Panthers (2005)
• Ahmad Brooks, OL – 49ers (2013)

1984 Supplemental Draft Pro-Bowlers

• (*Cleveland Browns)
• Mike Rozier
• Lee Williams
• *Kevin Mack
• Vaughan Johnson
• *Mike Johnson
• William Fuller
• Mel Gray
• Gary Clark
• Clarence Verdin

Also worth a mention

• Gerald McNeil
  The aforementioned Josh Gordon and Kevin Mack were recently included in my own Favorite Browns of the Dawg Pound Era piece, as was fellow supplemental draftee Gerald “Ice Cube” McNeil. McNeil was part of the 1984 draft and squeezed into my fifteen spot.
• Steve Walsh
  Drafted in 1989, Walsh is perhaps the closest definition of a journeyman the NFL has to offer. Playing for six teams over eleven seasons, Walsh was a household name throughout the 1990’s.

Next: NFL Draft 2018: Biggest steals for each team

Summary

Although the NFL Supplemental Draft is not nearly as notable as the traditional draft, it certainly is worthy of attention. Years may pass without circumstances leading to a supplemental selection, but when the need arises, talent can surely be found.

2018 has been a year wherein the need is there, and there is talent to be found. Although time will determine if any 2018 selections live up to the names and career legacies found here, don’t rule out the possibilities.