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Between the NFL Draft and the start of training camp, there is a huge lull in actual NFL action. Sure, people blow their fingers off occasionally, but it’s mostly just arrests and drug suspensions during this time. Enter the 2015 Supplemental NFL Draft. It’s the time of the offseason when players who were not eligible or did not declare for the regular draft can take another stab at being picked by a team. Most of the time, nobody gets picked, but that is likely to change in 2015. Should the Detroit Lions bite on one of the troubled prospects?
Isaiah Battle, OT, Clemson
The only real headliner from this year’s supplemental class, Isaiah Battle is a talented tackle who lacks any kind of polish. He has been projected as high as the 4th round, and if he is likely to go there then the Detroit Lions are out of luck since they’d need their 3rd round pick to land him and they used that on Gabe Wright. The Lions attended his pro day, but he did nothing there that would raise his stock. In fact, it’s likely the opposite according to his RAS.
Isaiah Battle RAS
Outlook: Of the top 4 offensive tackles on the Detroit Lions roster, 3 are projects. Only Riley Reiff is proven and healthy, meaning the team would have to take on another project if they drafted Isaiah Battle. While he’s projected in the 4th round, my own personal evaluation of him was much lower and I’d probably feel uneasy if they used a pick on him at all, even a late one.
Sean McQuillan, TE, UConn
Another player the Detroit Lions checked out at their pro day, Sean McQuillan is a Hback type at only 6’3″ 245lbs. I have never understood Martin Mayhew’s obsession with Hbacks, since no coach underneath him has really used one. More often, Linehan and then Lombardi would take true tight ends and use them in that role when it called for one. McQuillan was expected to be a team captain at UConn before an assault arrest derailed his plans and he entered the 2015 NFL Draft. A decent, but not exceptional athlete, McQuillan likely fills the same role the Lions envisioned when looking at Tim Wright: Someone to challenge Joseph Fauria or fill in while he still recovers.
Outlook: It wasn’t very likely he was drafted even if he wasn’t facing court for assault in a little over a week. Outside of his recent arrest, however, he fits the mold in what Martin Mayhew has looked at in his players. High character, team mentality, and hard work. I wouldn’t spend a draft pick on him, but I’d bet the Detroit Lions are on his short list for a camp invite given their interest and the possible chance of making a final roster.
Adrian Wilkins, KR, North Carolina Central
At 5’8″ and only 175 lbs., Adrian Wilkins isn’t going to be considered for anything other than return duties. He ran an abysmal 4.6 at his pro day, which the Lions attended. A lack of speed doesn’t show up on tape, however, and that’s more important. Returning 3 kicks and 2 punts for touchdowns at NCCU, the Lions are likely showing interest for the same reason they showed interest to over a dozen returners in the draft: Their return game is a mess. Is Adrian Wilkins the answer? I don’t know. But Jeremy Ross probably isn’t.
Outlook: He’s not likely to be drafted, but I’m actually hoping the Detroit Lions bring him into camp. Jeremy Ross is still the front-runner to win the returner job, which is more a testament to the guys challenging him than anything else. Fresh legs and a fresh chance would be nice for all parties involved.
The Others
West Georgia’s Dalvon Stuckey and Darrius Caldwell
Dalvon Stuckey, DT, West Georgia
Stuckey shouldn’t be drafted, but he has the frame and pad level strengths to be used in a multiple front like what Teryl Austin wants to run. He was declared academically ineligible.
Arrowhead Addict
Darius Caldwell, DE, West Georgia
Also declared academically ineligible, Caldwell didn’t do himself any favors at his pro day. An oversized defensive likely limits him to a 3-4, but I don’t expect him to draw draft interest.
Eric Eiland, DE, Houston
Prospects are never good for a 27 year old rookie, and even further for an undersized pass rusher who could barely bring pressure against weaker competition. More of a “Why Not?” declaration for the draft.
Kevin Short, DB, Kansas
This guy looks like a defensive back, but that’s the best you’ll get out of me. His last football snap was in 2012 due to various personal reasons that kept him out of football, and even then it was community college.
Wrap Up
So what do you think, Lions fans? Should the team take a look at anyone in the 2015 Supplemental NFL Draft, or should they horde their valuable draft resources for a shot in 2016? Let us know in the comments or hit me up on Twitter @MathBomb. The 2015 Supplemental NFL Draft takes place on Thursday, July 9th at 1PM.