The 2017 Supplemental Draft came and went on Wednesday with barely a peep. That's because no players were selected. It's been that way for a couple of years. Georgia Military College defensive end Tavares Bingham and New Mexico running back Marques Rodgers were the only players available. They are now free agents. The St. Louis Rams' selection of Clemson defensive Isaiah Battle in 2015 is the only Supplemental Draft selection in the last five years. Terrelle Pryor (2011) and Josh Gordon (2012) were a little more famous Supplemental selections before Battle.
The Supplemental Draft is for players whose draft status has changed in the days since the regular draft. It's been around since 1977 but doesn't get much attention. Only the most committed media and fans know that it even takes place since discovering when it takes place often takes some digging. That's due mostly to the unfortunate fact that many of the players are available for it because something has gone awry with their college career. That includes annoying little things like being declared academically ineligible, failing drug tests, getting kicked off the team, or being suspended by the NCAA. A shaky end to a college career doesn't have to dismantle an NFL career but it isn't a good start to it. 43 players have been selected over the years in the Supplemental Draft. Most of those players have done little to nothing but every now and then a gem can be found. The Philadelphia Eagles selected Ohio State receiver Cris Carter in the 1987 Supplemental Draft. Carter was overshadowed in that draft by Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth. Carter ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame while Bosworth appeared in a few movies. Somewhere in between Carter and Bosworth were fellow Supplemental Draft picks Bernie Kosar, Bobby Humphrey, Rob Moore, Mike Wahle, Jamal Williams, Ahmad Brooks, and Josh Gordon. Each of those players made it to a Pro Bowl or more. For every player selected with the NFL potential of Rob Moore there are about five players with the potential of Harvey Unga. That's the nature of this draft.
The Supplemental Draft has been an NFL staple for about 40 years even if nothing much happens.
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