The NFL’s second draft of the offseason is coming up. Though it’s not the same attraction as April’s draft, there are still some intriguing prospects available.
NFL Supplemental Draft To Be Held On July 15
The NFL supplemental draft is a little different from the regular draft in April everyone is used to. There are usually only a handful of players that enter. The players that enter are usually, for whatever reason, not going back to school in the fall. Some, like BYU’s Harvey Unga, were suspended for the upcoming season so they had no reason to go back to school if they couldn’t play football.
The draft is like a silent auction. For example, if the Dolphins wanted to draft Unga, they would put in a bid for him. If they put a bid in on him -- let's say a fourth round pick -- then they would be awarded his rights if no one else put in a higher bid.
The catch is that if they were awarded him, they would surrender a 2011 fourth round pick.
Most recently, the Redskins spent a third round pick on DE Jeremy Jarmon in the 2009 supplemental draft. That means they were awarded Jarmon and surrendered a 2010 third round pick. The most successful supplemental draft pick in recent years has been Jared Gaither, offensive tackle for the Ravens.
Here is who has entered the 2010 supplemental draft. SB Nation’s Mocking The Draft also has an excellent rundown on the players.
BYU RB Harvey Unga (6’0”, 239 pounds)
He’s a big running back and most teams see him as a runner and not a blocker so that should help his prospects of getting drafted.
The Seahawks, Saints, Eagles and Bucs are four of the teams that have reportedly shown a lot of interest although at least 20 teams showed up to his pro day. Predictions on him are all over the board from the third round to undrafted.
Northwestern State RB Quentin Castille (6’1”, 250 pounds)
He’s another big running back. He transferred from Nebraska after violating team rules.
In two years at Nebraska, he ran for 810 yards and 10 touchdowns. He popped off 125 yards against Clemson in the 2008 Gator Bowl. He recently ran a 4.8 forty yard dash at his pro day.
He’s given no reason why he’s leaving Northwestern State. SB Nation’s Nebraska community, Corn Nation, has a few words on his entry.
Truman State WR/RB Vanness Emokpae (5’11”, 242 pounds)
He led small Truman State in rushing, receiving and touchdowns last season. He projects as a fullback or a H-back in the NFL so his versatility may help. He’s also had some injury history.
The 49ers were one of the teams that sent their personnel director to see him workout.
Illinois DT Joshua Price-Brent (6’1”, 321 pounds)
He recently worked out for 18 NFL teams in what was called a "very good" workout. The 49ers, Packers, Saints and Lions sent their personnel directors. Two of those teams run a 3-4 so it's unclear exactly what position scouts are projecting him to fulfill.
SB Nation’s Mocking The Draft calls him, along with Unga, the most likely player to be drafted.
The other player most likely to be drafted is former Illinois defensive tackle Josh Price-Brent. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 315 pounds, he’s a slow-footed plugger in the middle. He started 12 games for Illinois in 2009, totaling 29 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks and three forced fumbles.
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