Two prospects likely to be taken in NFL’s supplemental draft

The NFL supplemental draft, set for July 10, provides one last opportunity for teams to potentially add young talent before the upcoming season.

If a team drafts a player they lose that round selection in the 2020 draft. 5 prospects will enter this year’s draft.

A pair of cornerbacks, Sam Beal and Adonis Alexander, were taken in the 2018 suuplemental draft. Beal went to the Giants in round three and Alexander to the Redskins in round six.

This year could somewhat mirror 2018 since it appears two prospects have a chance to be selected.

Jalen Thompson, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound safety from Washington State, should be taken in either the second or third round by my projection. He lost his eligibility for 2019 due to his use of an over-the counter-supplement which violated college rules.

Thompson has played well for Wazzu, starting with his 13 games as a freshman in 2016 but he played even better in 2017 with 73 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and four picks. He continued to play well in 2018 when he added two more interceptions.

The athleticism displayed by Thompson is impressive. A very fluid defender with good ball skills, he can also project to the slot cornerback position. He has experience in man pass coverage. More quick than fast, Thompson will need to add more bulk and get stronger. However, he is aggressive with fine range and is a solid run defender as well.

Marcus Simms, a wide receiver out of West Virginia, projects as a third or fourth rounder. The 6-foot, 188-pounder had 46 catches and a 15.2 yard average with two scores last season as a junior.

A bit thin on the thin side, Simms has an athletic build. He tracks the ball in the air well, is fluid and runs in the 4.45 speed range. Simms has shown consistent hands and runs crisp pass routes. His real strength has been his run after the catch ability as a runner who rarely goes down on first contact.

The Saints were reportedly among the teams represented at the Pro Day for Simms.

The three other prospects may not get drafted.

Shy Cullen, an outside linebacker out of Syracuse had a good pro-day workout, where he looked good in positional drills. The Chiefs, Browns and Patriots were in attendance to see Cullen (6-0, 225 with 4.70 speed).

Wide receiver/tight end prospect Devonaire Clarington (6-7, 230 with 4.6 speed) was recruited by Texas but did not play for them due to academic issues. He ended up at Northland C&T junior college.

Bryant Perry (6-0, 180), a cornerback from St. Francis (Ill.), is a fringe prospect.