The NFL supplementary draft, an often-overlooked aspect of player recruitment, will once again be absent in 2024. This draft, which has not seen action since 2020, last took place in 2019, marking a significant hiatus in an institution that has been around since 1977.
The Hiatus Explained
The dormancy of the supplemental draft has puzzled some and gone largely unnoticed by others. The last selection made in this obscure draft process was by the Arizona Cardinals, who picked safety Jalen Thompson in the fifth round of the 2019 supplemental draft. What makes the supplemental draft particularly unique is that it spans seven rounds, similar to the regular NFL draft, but follows distinctive rules and stipulations.
Traditionally, teams are categorized based on their performance from the previous season, which helps in the allocation of draft picks. However, the significant catch is that if a team chooses a player in the supplemental draft, it forfeits its selection in the same round of the following year’s regular NFL draft. This loss of a future pick often makes teams cautious about participating, which could be a contributing factor to the draft's sporadic activity.
Historical Significance
Established in 1977, the supplemental draft was designed to offer a second chance to players who were not eligible for the regular draft. It expanded in 1993 to include players who had never attended college, broadening the pool of potential NFL talent. This flexibility has, over the years, provided teams with the opportunity to grab diamonds in the rough who might otherwise have slipped through the cracks.
However, participation in the supplemental draft has always been limited and selective. Last year, for instance, two eligible players went undrafted, underscoring its unpredictable nature. The draft has historically served as a quiet addition to the bustling NFL off-season, garnering less attention than its spring counterpart but still harboring the potential to significantly impact team rosters.
The Cardinals’ Gamble
The Arizona Cardinals’ decision to select Jalen Thompson in 2019 underscores the calculated risks teams sometimes take. Thompson, a safety, has justified that gamble with solid performances since entering the league. For a team willing to take the plunge, the supplemental draft can offer immense value, although the inherent risks remain.
Despite its sporadic use, the supplemental draft remains an integral part of the NFL’s player acquisition system. As teams continue to navigate the complexities of recruitment and talent scouting, the temporary dormancy of the draft may give way to future opportunities for under-the-radar players and teams willing to take strategic risks.
In the constantly evolving landscape of the NFL, the supplemental draft occupies a unique niche, and while it may not be in play in 2024, its historical and strategic significance endures.