If you weren’t paying close attention, you might have missed this year’s supplemental draft entirely. That’s because all 32 NFL teams passed up the opportunity to select either of the two players who were eligible. Although this year’s draft lacked excitement, we’ve been getting lots of requests from readers in recent days to break down the supplemental draft and explain how it works. 
The supplemental draft allows NFL teams to select players who, for one reason or another, were barred from entering the regular draft in the spring. When a team selects a player in the supplemental draft, they forfeit the corresponding pick in the regular draft next year. For example, if a team selected a player in the sixth round of the supplemental draft this year, they would have had to give up their 2018 sixth round selection.
The 2017 draft marked the second consecutive year in which there were no players chosen in the supplemental draft. No one came off of the board in 2016 either, and that was a bit of a surprise since Purdue defensive tackle Ra’Zahn Howard was up for grabs. Howard wound up signing with the Texans after the draft ended (he even received a signing bonus), but he was dropped before the team dropped down to a 75-man roster.
Of course, that’s not to say that the supplemental draft is a pointless exercise. In 2015, the Rams selected Clemson offensive tackle Isaiah Battle with a fifth-round choice. The 6’6″ tackle has yet to break out, but he did spend time on the Rams’ 53-man roster and practice squad. Currently, he is on the Chiefs’ 90-man roster and looking to make the final cut.
In the past, teams have found some gems in the supplemental draft. In 2011, the Raiders selected Ohio State quarterback and future standout NFL receiver Terrelle Pryor. In 2012, the Browns used a second round pick to take the talented and troubled Josh Gordon. Other supplemental draft alums include quarterback Bernie Kosar (Browns, 1985), wide receiver Cris Carter (Eagles, 1987), running back Bobby Humphrey (Broncos, 1989), wide receiver Rob Moore (Jets, 1990), nose tackle Jamal Williams (Chargers, 1998), and linebacker Ahmad Brooks (Bengals, 2006).
There wasn’t much to see in these last two supplemental drafts, but next year’s iteration could give way to future NFL stars.
Note: This is a PFR Glossary entry. Our glossary posts explain specific rules relating to free agency, trades, or other aspects of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.