The football community buzzed with excitement when Brendan Sorsby from Texas Tech announced his intention to join the NFL Supplemental Draft. This raises a common question: who was the last supplemental draft pick to truly shine on the field? Here’s a look at some of the most impactful players selected in this unique draft system:
WR Cris Carter, Philadelphia Eagles
Cris Carter emerged from the fourth round of the 1987 supplemental draft to establish a Hall of Fame career. He played for the Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins over 16 NFL seasons. Carter’s record includes eight consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1993 to 2000 and two first-team All-Pro honors in 1994 and 1999.
QB Bernie Kosar, Cleveland Browns
Drafted in the first round of the 1985 supplemental draft, Bernie Kosar’s NFL journey spanned 12 seasons, largely with the Browns. Despite being a single-time Pro Bowler in 1987, Kosar achieved four seasons with over 3,000 passing yards and threw 124 touchdowns in total.
DT Jamal Williams, San Diego Chargers
Jamal Williams, selected in the second round of the 1998 supplemental draft, had a rewarding 13-season career. Twice, he was named a first-team All-Pro in 2005 and 2006, and he made three Pro Bowl appearances. Williams played most of his career with the Chargers before finishing with the Denver Broncos. His career statistics include 443 tackles, 55 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks.
WR Josh Gordon, Cleveland Browns
In the 2012 supplemental draft’s second round, Josh Gordon quickly impressed with 137 receptions, 14 touchdowns, and over 2,400 yards in his initial two years. Despite a promising start, his career was marred by suspensions due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy, which sidelined him for the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons. Nevertheless, his early achievements remain noteworthy.