In a notable decision, the NFL has announced that the supplemental draft will not take place in 2024. This marks the continuation of a hiatus that dates back to 2020, the last year in which no players were added through this unique avenue. As a result, the supplemental draft will again be dormant for the fifth consecutive year, furthering a pattern that began after the 2019 draft.
A Place in NFL History
The supplemental draft was established in 1977, serving as an alternative entry point into the NFL for players who didn’t declare for the regular draft due to eligibility issues or other circumstances. Unlike the standard NFL Draft, the supplemental draft gives teams a chance to bid on players using future draft picks. This means that a successful bid results in the forfeiture of a corresponding pick in the following year's regular draft—an intriguing risk-reward dynamic for teams evaluating this route.
During its history, the supplemental draft has undergone changes to include a broader range of players. Notably, in 1993, it expanded to permit players who had never attended college, essentially widening its scope and appeal.
The 2019 Draft
The last instance of the supplemental draft occurred in 2019 when the Arizona Cardinals selected safety Jalen Thompson in the fifth round. This selection meant that the Cardinals forfeited their fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Teams' willingness to engage in the supplemental draft often hinges on the caliber of available players and the strategic calculations surrounding future draft assets.
From a historical perspective, the supplemental draft has seen periods of robust activity followed by stretches of dormancy. Each draft cycle can span up to seven rounds, mirroring the structure of the regular draft. Teams are categorized based on their performance from the previous season, with those finishing lower in the standings typically granted higher priority in selection order. This structure ensures that the supplemental draft maintains a level of competitive balance and offers struggling teams another mechanism to improve their roster.
Current Status and Trends
The consistent absence of the supplemental draft since 2020 has left a gap in what was once a dependable feature of the NFL offseason. Despite this lull, the league has not completely shut the door on its potential resurrection. Last year, for example, two players were eligible but neither found themselves selected, underscoring the sporadic and often unpredictable nature of the draft.
For players, the supplemental draft represents both an opportunity and a gamble. The potential to join an NFL team outside the traditional pathways can be appealing, but without the guarantee of selection, it carries a significant risk. Prospective players and agents must weigh these factors carefully when considering this route to the professional level.
For the teams, the calculus is equally complex. Weighing the immediate potential of an unscouted player against the future value of an established draft pick requires a deep strategic understanding and an appetite for calculated risks. The example of Jalen Thompson, who has since established himself in the Cardinals’ secondary, highlights both the potential payoffs and the inherent uncertainties involved.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the legacy and future of the supplemental draft remain subjects of interest among fans, analysts, and team executives. While the absence of the 2024 supplemental draft might disappoint some, it also offers time for reflection on what role it might play in the league's broader draft ecosystem moving forward.
In an environment driven by ever-changing variables and high-stakes decisions, the supplemental draft remains a unique chapter in the NFL’s storied history—even if, for now, it’s a chapter on hold.