Ranking the Top 8 Supplemental Draft Picks in NFL History

The NFL recently announced the date for the supplemental draft.  Teams will be able to pick from the additional pool of college talent on August 17th.

This year's supplemental draft will be dominated by the potential destination of former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

Over the years, NFL teams have been able to find some real gems in the supplemental draft.  Players who didn't make the grade academically or violated institutional rules, took the second chance offered to them by the league's bonus selection process.

Here are the eight best supplemental draft choices in league history.

8. Tito Wooten, Safety, New York Giants (1994)

The New York Giants selected Tito Wooten in the fourth round in 1994.  While he didn't enjoy the most spectacular career, Wooten quickly managed to become a valuable contributor on some solid Giants' defenses.

An aggressive special teams player, Wooten possessed useful hybrid skills that helped him be a productive member on the Giants' sub packages.

In 1997, John Fox took over the Giants defense.  Fox schemed ways to take advantage of Wooten's diverse skill set.

His size and strong tackling ability meant that Wooten frequently lined up as a dime and nickel linebacker.

1997 was his best season.  Wooten recorded five interceptions on a tough and resourceful Giants' unit.  He returned one pick 61 yards for a touchdown.  The following season Fox allowed Wooten more freedom to attack and he collected three sacks.

Wooten's career was short, but he was a solid performer in a good defensive scheme.

7. Steve Walsh, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys (1989)

A first-round selection by the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, Steve Walsh never manged to supplant Troy Aikman during his rookie season in Texas.

But the former University of Miami standout carved out a decent niche as a reliable career backup.  Walsh provided dependable cover for six different teams during his 11 pro seasons.  When he did take the field, Walsh managed to post some respectable numbers.

Along with the Herschel Walker swap deal, Walsh's trade to the New Orleans Saints in 1990 helped provide the foundation for Jimmy Johnson's two Super Bowl victories with the Cowboys.

6. Bobby Humphrey, Running Back, Denver Broncos (1989)

Bobby Humphrey only lasted five NFL seasons, but he played a key role in helping the Denver Broncos reach their fourth Super Bowl.

Humphrey sparked the Broncos to their third Super Bowl appearance in four seasons by rushing for 1,151 yards and seven touchdowns during his rookie campaign.

A nimble rusher with good change of direction, Humphrey's powerful, slashing style allowed him to top 1,200 yards in his second season.

Humphrey often struggled with troublesome injuries sustained during his college days.  He also became embroiled in a couple of lengthy holdouts during his time with the Broncos.

Following a trade to the Miami Dolphins in 1992, Humphrey's career soon fizzled out.

5. Jared Gaither, Offensive Tackle, Baltimore Ravens (2007)

Jared Gaither's composed play in his first three pro seasons made the Baltimore Ravens decision to take him in the fourth round of the 2007 supplemental draft look inspired.

Health problems have curtailed his development, and he is now attempting to resurrect his once promising looking career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Gaither missed the entire 2010 season due to a lingering back injury.  Still just 25, Gaither has plenty of time to fulfill his tremendous potential.

The 6'9", 340-pound man mountain has the size, tenacity and technique to dominate many of the league's edge rushers.

If he can stay healthy, Gaither could top a list like this in a few years.

4. Rob Moore, Wide Receiver, New York Jets (1990)

Rob Moore finished his NFL career with over 600 receptions, nearly 10,000 yards and scored 49 touchdowns.

Taken by the New York Jets in the first round in 1990, Moore quickly established himself as a potent pass catcher in the AFC East.

An underrated wideout, Moore ran precise routes and had excellent hands.  He was durable and consistent during his first 10 seasons.

His finest year with the Jets came in 1994 when he broke 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.  A move to the Arizona Cardinals came the next season.

Moore topped 1,000 yards in both 1996 and 1997.  He formed an effective big play tandem with quarterback Jake Plummer and was instrumental in the Cardinals reaching the playoffs and upsetting the Dallas Cowboys in 1998.

Moore managed to be a consistently productive flanker for the majority of his playing days.

3. Jamal Williams, Defensive Tackle, San Diego Chargers (1998)

A second-round supplemental pick by the San Diego Chargers in 1998, Jamal Williams developed into one of the best nose tackles in the game during the last decade.

Williams' career received a real boost when the Chargers switched to a 3-4 defense in 2004.  He flourished as the linchpin of the new three-man line.  Williams made the Pro Bowl in 2005, 2006 and 2007. 

At 6'3" and 348 pounds, Williams has easily been able to tie up the middle portion of opposing blocking schemes.  His leverage and aggression have helped him dominate against the run over the years.

Serious injuries have taken their toll on the 35-year-old.  Health issues have robbed Williams of his leverage and reduced the speed of his takeoff.

Williams was released by the Denver Broncos after an uninspiring 2010 season in Colorado.  But the 13-year veteran has been one of the league's most effective 3-4 practitioners during his career.

2. Bernie Kosar, Quarterback, Cleveland Browns (1985)

Quarterback Bernie Koasr led the Browns to three AFC Championship games and later was a valuable deputy to Troy Aikman during the Dallas Cowboys' 1993 Super Bowl run.

In 1985, Kosar controversially backtracked on his original intention to declare for the regular draft and instead opted to make himself available for the supplemental format.

The Cleveland Browns moved quickly to secure Kosar.  Despite his awkward looking side arm style, Kosar was an extremely accurate passer, who efficiently directed Mary Shottenheimer's offense in Cleveland.

For his career, Kosar finished with an 81.8 passer rating and over 23,000 yards.

1. Cris Carter, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles (1987)

A fourth-round steal by the Philadelphia Eagles, Cris Carter survived a spat with volatile head coach Buddy Ryan and multiple drug problems to enjoy one of the most prodigious careers of any receiver in league history.

Carter grasped the second chance handed to him by the Minnesota Vikings.  After a solid 1991 campaign, Carter emerged as the Vikings' premier pass catcher in new head coach Dennis Green's west coast system.

He recorded 122 receptions in both 1994 and 1995.  Later in his career, Carter proved he could still terrorise NFL defenses by snaring 96 passes for over 1,200 yards.

Carter's crafty route running and durability made him a potent threat across the middle.  He had excellent instincts and an innate ability for exposing the soft spots in zone coverage. 

Carter also possessed deceptive speed, enabling him to stretch any defense.  His excellent hands led to some of the most spectacular catches the game has ever seen.

Carter finished with 130 touchdowns and over 1,100 receptions.  He is a perennial candidate for Canton consideration, but has so far not been enshrined.

It's not easy to find instant quality in the supplemental draft, but these eight players show that teams should not be shy about taking a chance on athletes whose issues prevented them from being available in the regular draft.