NFL Supplemental Draft Ends Without Any Selections
The NFL’s supplemental draft took place on Tuesday, but for the first time in three years, no players were selected, according to sources. The two eligible players for the draft were Jackson State wide receiver Malachi Wideman and Purdue wide receiver Milton Wright. This draft marked the return of the supplemental draft after a hiatus.
The last time a player was selected in the supplemental draft was in 2019 when the Arizona Cardinals picked safety Jalen Thompson in the fifth round. However, this year, no team opted to make a selection.
In the supplemental draft, any team that chooses to pick a player must forfeit a corresponding pick in the following year’s draft. This year, that would have meant giving up a pick in the 2024 draft, which may have deterred teams from participating.
Malachi Wideman, a transfer from Tennessee, had an impressive 2021 season with Jackson State, recording 12 touchdowns on just 34 catches. However, his production dipped significantly last season, as he only managed to catch three passes. Despite his potential, Wideman will now have to sign with a team as an undrafted free agent.
Milton Wright, on the other hand, missed the entire 2022 season due to academic ineligibility. In 2021, he had a solid performance with 57 catches and seven touchdowns. Like Wideman, Wright will now have to navigate the undrafted free agent market to find a team.
The supplemental draft is often an opportunity for teams to acquire talent outside of the regular draft process. It allows players who have become eligible for various reasons, such as academic issues or other unforeseen circumstances, to enter the NFL. However, this year’s lack of selections indicates that teams may be more inclined to wait for the regular draft to address their needs.
While the supplemental draft may not have yielded any selections this year, it is still an important event in the NFL calendar. It provides an avenue for players who may have faced challenges or setbacks to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on an NFL roster.
For players like Wideman and Wright, going undrafted does not necessarily mean the end of their football dreams. Many undrafted players have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, proving that talent and determination can overcome the odds.
As the supplemental draft concludes without any selections, teams will now turn their attention to training camp and the regular season. The focus will shift to evaluating the players currently on their rosters and making any necessary adjustments before the start of the season.
In the meantime, Wideman and Wright will continue to work hard and hope for an opportunity to prove themselves in the NFL. Whether it’s through signing with a team as an undrafted free agent or earning a spot through a tryout, they will remain dedicated to their craft and determined to make their mark in professional football.
The supplemental draft may not have yielded any selections this year, but it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL. With each new season comes new opportunities for players to showcase their skills and make their dreams come true. As Wideman, Wright, and other undrafted players have shown, perseverance and resilience can lead to success in the face of adversity.