Will the Los Angeles Rams make a selection in the 2018 NFL Supplemental Draft?

For the first time in a long time, the NFL Supplemental Draft appears to have multiple prospects that have the talent to be drafted.

That makes this event something to be interested in.

This year, there will be five prospects available in the draft, and it appears as though there is a huge possibility of three of them being drafted at some point.

Here is the full list of prospects:

• Western Michigan CB Sam Beal
• Virginia Tech CB Adonis Alexander
• Mississippi St. S Brandon Bryant
• Oregon St. LB Bright Ugwoegbu
• Grand Valley State Grand Valley Staters RB Marty Carter

The three defensive backs are the ones most likely to be drafted with the other two likely to be picked up for a training camp as free agents.

What Is the Supplemental Draft?

The supplemental draft is for players who did not declare for the official NFL Draft but are at least three years removed from high school. These players are normally in danger of not being able to play in the upcoming college season for one reason or another.

The supplemental draft itself is different than the traditional draft.

This year, the supplemental draft takes place at 1PM ET on July 11th. Think of it as an auction. Teams are divided into three different groups based on where they finished the season, and things progress in an auction format. Whoever gives up the highest pick in the next year’s draft is rewarded the player. For example in 2015, the Rams offered a 2016 NFL Draft fifth-round pick, higher than any competing pick, to select Clemson OT Isaiah Battle .

Western Michigan CB Sam Beal

Beal is the player that is rumored to be the first prospect drafted. Here is an excerpt from an article by Kevin Seifert over at ESPN:

He is a big (6-foot-1) corner who ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash during a recent workout and has demonstrated high-end ability to cover on the outside. “I think he’s going to be a starter within three years for whatever team drafts him,” Muench said, “and a really good starter at that. You have someone with that frame and those skills, and that’s what teams look for.” Muench gave Beal, who was ruled academically ineligible this spring, a second-round grade in terms of talent.

Virginia Tech CB Adonis Alexander

Alexander is an interesting player. He has the amazing requirements for an outside corner. He also played safety his freshman year of college and has some experience as a money backer.

Here is what Charles R. McDonald from SBNation had to say about Adonis Alexander.

Alexander fits the physical prototype that teams are looking for in their defensive backs. NFL Draft Scout has Alexander listed at about 6’3, 195 pounds. Alexander plays a violent brand of football that you don’t see from most cornerbacks. He was declared academically ineligible for the 2018 season, prompting him to declare for the supplemental draft.

Alexander shines versus the short passing game where he can use his closing speed and length to jar the ball loose against receivers. This is easily the best part of his game. His future NFL team might consider moving him to safety so he can a bit more of a downhill player than he was in college.

Mississippi St. S Brandon Bryant

Bryant is on the fringe of being drafted. He has been more flash in a pan than a consistent football player. He is a really good athlete but he does have lapse of judgement.

Here is what Charles R. McDonald from SBNation had to say about Bryant.

Brandon Bryant was a source of big plays for Mississippi State throughout his three years with the team. He had five interceptions for 122 yards and a touchdown in three seasons and also chipped in 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in that timespan.

I also had something to add on this front.

Who should the Rams draft?

I believe that the Rams should be interested in the players in this year’s supplemental draft. It would make sense with CB Marcus Peters and CB Aqib Talib only being in contract for the next two seasons and S Lamarcus Joyner is only on a one-year re-rental on the franchise tag.

I can see the Rams taking a chance and betting a fifth- or sixth-round selection on Alexander. If the Rams are interested, they could likely grab Bryant with a sixth- or seventh-round pick. Beal would be the most ideal, but would the Rams be able to grab him with a third-round selection?

Tune in tomorrow to find out.