The 2019 NFL Supplemental Draft is Wednesday afternoon. It’s a special draft for players whose eligibility at the college level has changed since the traditional NFL Draft declaration deadline.
This year’s class features six eligible prospects, two of which carry viable potential to get selected by a team anxious to burn a 2020 NFL Draft pick and get them on the field early.
When: July 10 at 1 p.m ET
The Process: Teams are split into three groups (six wins or fewer, non-playoff teams, playoff teams) and a lottery system makes the order. Teams then use a bidding system and designate which round they would draft a player with the highest bid winning the prospect. The winner loses that pick in the same round of the upcoming draft.
Prospects
- Jalen Thompson, S, Washington State
- Marcus Simms, WR, West Virginia
- Shyheim Cullen, LB, Syracuse
- Bryant Perry, DB, St. Francis
- Devonaire Clarington, TE, Northland Community College
Lions outlook
The Lions sent representatives to the pro day workouts for both Thompson and Simms, the top two talents. Thompson carries definite intrigue as a hybrid safety/slot corner and figures to get selected before the fourth round on Wednesday. Detroit drafted Will Harris in the third round in April for that kind of role and also has Pro Bowl alternate Quandre Diggs capable of playing either position at a high level, so the urgency to pull the trigger on Thompson doesn’t seem high.
Simms brings considerable off-field baggage and that makes him a poor fit for the Lions. His chances for selection by any team are iffy. None of the other players appear to have any real chance to be drafted.
Special thanks to Chris Roling of Bengals Wire for compiling the bulk of this preview!
