Horse Tracks: Date for the NFL’s supplemental draft has been set

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the date for the NFL’s annual supplemental draft has been set for July 11th.

The supplemental draft is an annual event that occurs after the NFL Draft and before the start of Training Camp. It allows players who are deemed ineligible for the upcoming College Football season to enter the NFL.

This process was explained perfectly by Stampede and Blue’s, Stephen Reed.

The Supplemental Draft is a way for players who are declared ineligible for the upcoming college football season to enter the NFL after the deadline to enter the regular NFL Draft has passed. Players seeking entry into the Supplemental Draft must have been eligible for the most recent NFL Draft. Additionally, players must file a petition and be declared eligible for the Supplemental Draft by the NFL.

If you want to learn more about the process of the supplemental draft, give his informative piece a read.

As for the draft, it usually has some low level of talent who may garner late round interest or simply go undrafted, but not this year. This year you will see two cornerback prospects go as early as the second round of the draft. The notable name in this group is now former Western Michigan cornerback, Sam Beal.

Remember, if you select someone in the supplemental draft, you lose that pick in the upcoming 2019 NFL Draft.

Now let us take a look at cornerback Sam Beal and if the Broncos will have any interest in him in the upcoming supplemental draft.

Sam Beal, Cornerback, Western Michigan

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 196lbs

40-time(projected): 4.46 seconds

Sam Beal played three seasons at Western Michigan and put up some solid number during that span. During his three-year career, he totaled 92 tackles, 2 interceptions, 19 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble. During this past year, Beal totaled 22 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble.

Beal is a size/speed athlete who will intrigue NFL teams who prioritize those traits in their corners. Add in that he is a press-man corner with physical traits and you will garner a bunch of interest. Keep in mind, these are the exact traits the Broncos have looked for in the past two corners they have drafted(Brendan Langley and Isaac Yiadom) so keep an eye on that.

Scouting Report via Dane Brugler:

Strengths: Above average height/length combination with lean muscle definition. Former track athlete with NFL-level play speed (estimated 4.45-4.48 40-yard dash speed based on tape study). Smooth hips and lower body to turn and run with minimal wasted movements. Displays the recovery quickness to regain body position after a false step.

Aggressive press-man mentality with violent jabs off the snap to disrupt the timing of receivers. Looks to pin receivers against the sideline and doesn’t shy using his body to cut off direction routes. Improved feel for reading route breaks in 2017 compared to his 2016 tape.

Serviceable run defender in college due to his physical mindset, arriving hot with forceful intentions to set the edge. Wraps and drives through his man, finishing strong to the ground once the ball-carrier is in his grasp. High school and college coaches speak highly of work habits.

Weaknesses: Needs to calm his feet in press as quick releases will eat him up, forcing him to hold. Uses predictable jam technique, and studious receivers evade his press moves until he learns to mix things up. Route anticipation runs hot/cold. Too easily turned around at the top of routes and inconsistent body position leads to spacing issues. Lacks fundamental transition and backpedal skills, which hinders his breaks and closing quickness.

Hyper-focused on playing his man and is late to turn and locate the football. Play strength doesn’t always match his intentions. Competitive run defender, but wild angles and abandoned technique lead to ball-carriers bouncing off his contact or forcing missed tackles. Played primarily outside with minimal experience as an inside cornerback.

Highlights:

Does cornerback Sam Beal make sense for the Broncos?:

Yes and no.

Beal is talented and fits the most recent profile of cornerback the Broncos look for so I can see them certainly having interest. However, they just spent two third-round picks on cornerbacks in consecutive drafts. This means they may stick with Yiadom and Langley and hope one or both develop into what they hope.

However, if one or both of these two have disappointed thus far, they could decide to roll the dice on Beal. You can never have enough corners in today’s league and Beal would certainly add some more depth to the position.

In the end, I think they pass on Beal and continue developing Langley and Yiadom.

Horse Tracks:

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The Rams have Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters at cornerback, Nickell Robey-Coleman at slot corner and John Johnson and Lamarcus Joyner at safety. Offensive coordinators and quarterbacks who face the Rams should be quaking at the thought.

Bright Ugwoegbu joins supplemental draft class – ProFootballTalk
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Royce Freeman pushing Devontae Booker to be Broncos’ lead back – ProFootballTalk
The Broncos' leading rusher from last season, C.J. Anderson, is now in Carolina. Which leaves an opening for the lead role in Denver this year. Devontae Booker, who was second on the team in rushing last season, is the presumed favorite.

NFL Supplemental Draft to take place on July 11 - NFL.com
The NFL Supplemental Draft is set for Wednesday, July 11, with prospects Brandon Bryant, Sam Beal and Adonis Alexander on the board for teams.

Randall Cobb's ankle injury won't keep him out Week 1 - NFL.com
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MSU DB Brandon Bryant worked out for 14 teams Monday - NFL.com
Former Mississippi State DB Brandon Bryant performed for NFL scouts from 14 NFL clubs Monday in advance of the 2018 NFL Supplemental Draft.

Former Chiefs safety Ron Parker signs with Falcons - NFL.com
Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Ron Parker has found a new home. The Atlanta Falcons are signed the veteran pass-disruptor to a one-year contract on Monday.

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