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The Colts, The 2012 Supplemental Draft, And Why It Actually Might Matter This Year

By Brad Wells
May 15, 2012; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (6) at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
May 15, 2012; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (6) at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Let's be honest. The NFL Supplemental Draft only has relevance right now because, in early and mid-July, NOTHING is going on. If you are a 'noob' and have no idea what the Supplemental Draft is, it's basically a draft for players who screwed up in college and weren't eligible to enter the real draft back in April.

The NFL has released a list of players who are eligible for the 2012 Supplemental Draft, and they are:

  • Boise State DB Quaylon Ewing
  • Baylor WR Josh Gordon
  • Syracuse RB Adam Harris
  • Iowa State T Adrian Haughton
  • Carson-Newman LB Larry Lumpkin
  • Georgia DE Montez Robinson
  • McMurray WR Houston Tuminello
  • TCU RB Ed Wesley

In the past, the Colts wouldn't give much thought to the supplemental draft, and for good reason. I mean, if guys are truly good, they'd get signed by someone as rookie free agents.

However, in recent years, the supplemental draft has taken on renewed significance, especially last year when disgraced Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor was taken by the Raiders with the 18th selection in the third round. That selection forfeited a third round pick in the real draft this year (which how this supplemental draft works- take a player now, forfeit a draft pick next season).

This year, with a new regime and a new way of doing things, it's possible the Colts front office might actually give a crap about the supplemental draft and maybe (GASP!) draft a player like Baylor's Josh Gordon.

Of the group listed, Gordon is the best fit for the Colts in terms of need. At 6-4, 225 lbs, he is a massive target as a WR. With a clocked 4.43 (low 4.32) time in the 40, that is both speed and size that absolutely cannot be ignored.

Also, the kid had a knack for making big plays at Baylor, where his QB was Robert Griffin III. In 2010, he had 42 receptions for 714 yards and 9 TDs.

Gordon's problem isn't his talent. His problem might be that he's kind of a dumb ass. He got himself arrested in October of last year. This was after he got kicked off the football team in July of 2011 due to violating team rules.

He's a head case. A very talented head case.

With the Colts being undersized and somewhat geriatric at wide receiver, adding a talent like Gordon makes sense. The issue is does he have his head on straight. If he doesn't, veterans like Reggie Wayne will knock it off if he acts like an idiot inside or outside the Colts lockerroom.

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