As usual, the Baltimore Ravens opted not to draft anyone in the supplemental draft. For those who may not know, the supplemental draft takes place every year for players who were not able to declare for the regular draft. If a team makes a selection, that team will forfeit a pick in the corresponding round in the next year’s draft. Although players in the supplemental draft are typically overlooked, many were curious about two players of the five eligible to be selected. The two top players this year were cornerback Sam Beal of Western Michigan and cornerback Adonis Alexander of Virginia Tech. The other three potential draftees were safety Brandon Bryant of Mississippi State, linebacker Bright Ugwoegbu of Oregon State, and running back Marty Carter of Grand Valley State.
Beal was selected in the third round of the supplemental draft by the New York Giants. The first off the board, he was the first selection in the supplemental draft since 2015 when the Rams selected Isaiah Battle in the fifth round. Alexander was also selected. He was picked by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round The remaining players who were not drafted are eligible to sign with a franchise as an undrafted free agent.
All eyes were on Sam Beal this year as the 6’1″, ball hawk was the hottest commodity in the supplemental draft. He could have decided to enter this year’s NFL draft, where he would have likely been a top three round pick. However, he wanted to finish his college degree, which no one in his family had done. There were issues with the number of credits he needed and had, and the NCAA would have to decide whether or not he could play his senior year. Instead of putting his future in football in the hands of the NCAA, he declared for the supplemental draft. Alexander was also expected to draw some interest as well. Alexander fell behind academically like Beal. Alexander also dealt with other off the field issues, including failed drug tests and even an arrest. Now, the both of them are NFL players, hoping to make their dreams come true.
