Should the Cleveland Browns make a move in the NFL Supplemental Draft?
By Randy Gurzi
The NFL Supplemental Draft doesn’t always happen, and when it does the talent isn’t always great. But the Cleveland Browns could fill a need this season should they decide to get in on the action.
On July 10, the NFL will have its annual Supplemental Draft. Well, sometimes it’s annual. Originated in 1977, this draft allows players who were not in the regular draft, but are ineligible to play in the NCAA the coming season, to enter the NFL. That’s why despite being on the calendar every season, the Supplemental Draft doesn’t always take place.
There’s also not always a lot of talented players to take a chance on. Sometimes, however, there are players worth targeting and the Cleveland Browns have been a team willing to get involved in the past.
In 1985, the Browns took Miami quarterback Bernie Kosar, using a first-round pick (according to Supplemental Draft rules, the team making that pick forfeits the selection in the following NFL draft). In 2012, they used a second-round pick on Josh Gordon, the talented but troubled wideout who was dismissed by Baylor for failing drug tests.
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Looking ahead to the 2019 version of this draft, the Browns could once again become players. Players available include Syracuse linebacker Shyheim Cullen, Northland Community & Technical College tight end Devonaire Clarington, and West Virginia wide receiver Marcus Simms. None of those names seem like possibilities in Cleveland, but strong safety Jalen Thompson out of Washington State should interest them.
Thompson has been an enforcer in the Cougars secondary, recording 190 tackles, six interceptions, and five fumble recoveries. Expected to return for his senior season, Thompson reportedly lost his eligibility when he purchased an over-the-counter supplement at a nutritional store.
For Cleveland, that violation shouldn’t be a concern whatsoever. What they should be considering is how their secondary could look adding a player who is capable of making the kinds of splash plays he did during his three seasons with Washington State.
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Currently, the Browns have Morgan Burnett as their starting strong safety and fourth-round pick Sheldrick Redwine grooming behind him. They also really like Jermaine Whitehead‘s potential but there’s nothing wrong with adding more talent as they look for their long-term starter opposite Damarious Randall.