Dallas Cowboys could eye Supplemental Draft for safety help

The Dallas Cowboys haven’t used the NFL Supplemental Draft often but could that change this season with an intriguing safety prospect there for the taking?

Heading into the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys were looking hard at the tight end and safety positions. At tight end, they ended up getting Jason Witten to return one season after retiring.

They understand he’s not the long-term answer, but Witten is expected to help with the red zone offense while some of the younger players such as Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz continue to develop.

At safety, they looked to make a splash as they were tied to Earl Thomas but balked at his huge price. They then looked at Eric Berry but balked at his health — and possibly price. Instead, they landed George Iloka as a bargain free agent and Donovan Wilson as a sixth-round rookie.

The depth is better with those two additions, but the position still isn’t set. With that being the case, the Cowboys could look to the upcoming NFL Supplemental Draft which features an interesting prospect in Jalen Thompson out of Washington State.

Thompson impressed in college as he had 190 tackles, six interceptions, and five fumble recoveries. He was planning to return for his senior season, but reportedly lost his eligibility when he purchased an over-the-counter supplement at a nutritional store — although the report did state it was not a steroid.

According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Thompson was projected as a day two pick in 2020 ahead of this season. That could mean some teams would be willing to go as high as a third-round pick (which would then be forfeited in the 2020 draft) to secure his services.

There’s been no indication Dallas is interested but if they believe he can be a starter in the NFL, it would be worth the price.

Others to enter the Supplemental draft include Syracuse linebacker Shyheim Cullen, West Virginia wide receiver Marcus Simms, Northland JuCo tight end Devonaire Clarington.

Clarington is another interesting name and could come much cheaper. The junior college product is listed at 6-7 and 230 pounds. He had 48 receptions for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns while at Northland Community College.