July 03, 2016
Nope. That's the short answer. This class of supplemental draft entrants is not strong, however, assuming none of the six eligible players are selected, there is one player perhaps taking a look at to add to the team as a free agent.
First, here's an explanation of the supplemental draft, via the NFL:
The league holds a supplemental draft in the summer for players who are not determined by the league to be draft-eligible or have been declared academically ineligible at their schools. Teams do not have to participate in the supplemental draft; if they choose to do so, they may bid for the player by telling the league the round in which they would like to take a specific player. If no other club bids on that player, they are awarded the player and lose a pick in the following year’s NFL Draft that corresponds with the round in which they were awarded the player. If multiple teams submit bids for the player, the highest bidder is awarded that player and loses the corresponding draft pick.
As it stands, here are the Eagles' draft picks in 2017:
| Round | How acquired |
| 2 | Eagles' own pick |
| 3 | Eagles' own pick |
| 4 | Eagles' own pick |
| 4 | Acquired from Browns as part of deal to acquire 2016 No. 2 overall pick |
| 5 | Eagles' own pick |
| 6 | Eagles' own pick |
| (conditional) | If Mark Sanchez does not make the Broncos' roster, the Eagles get nothing. If he makes the roster, the Eagles are guaranteed at least a seventh-round pick. If he starts four games, the Eagles get the Broncos' sixth-round pick, which was previously acquired from the Titans. (More details of this trade here). |
| 7 | Eagles' own pick |
Here are the six players:
Shepard is the biggest name of the group, as he was formerly ranked the 76th best high school recruit in the nation in 2012. He enrolled at Notre Dame, transferred to Ole Miss, and then left Ole Miss under less than amicable circumstances. He was reportedly going to transfer to Miami of Ohio, before changing course and entering the supplemental draft. You can read a more detailed version of his story via Daniel Paulling of The Clarion-Ledger.
Of the six applicants, Shepard is probably the most likely to be selected, if any.
However, of the above prospects, the player that stands out for the Eagles' purposes may be Simonise, a wide receiver listed at 6'5. Last season, Simonise caught 51 passes for 1079 yards (a 21.2 YPC average) and 11 TDs. He is a tall down-the-field threat that the Eagles seemed to target this offseason. He also plays a position where the Eagles can use more weaponry.
Here's a highlight reel. Take particular note of his blocking ability. At a minimum, he could be an intriguing player for special teams. Also note Canada's goofy version of college football, in which multiple players are moving forward in motion during the snap.
While using a 2017 draft pick on any of these players wouldn't be prudent, Simonise may be worth taking a look at in camp should he go unclaimed.
