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Minnesota Vikings: Options in the 2016 Supplemental Draft

By Adam Carlson

Sep 12, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Tee Shepard (2) carries the ball back against Fresno State Bulldogs wide receiver Keyan Williams (4) after intercepting the ball at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi Rebels beat Fresno State Bulldogs 73 - 21. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Tee Shepard (2) carries the ball back against Fresno State Bulldogs wide receiver Keyan Williams (4) after intercepting the ball at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi Rebels beat Fresno State Bulldogs 73 - 21. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Six players have declared eligibility for the 2016 NFL Supplemental Draft, but should the Minnesota Vikings put a bid in on any of these available players?

It’s been a while since a player from the Supplemental Draft has been able to make a long-term impact on the NFL. The most recent poster child for this event was Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon, who has struggled to stay on the field due to drug issues.

Related Story: Does Patterson finally 'get it'?

But that is the gamble that comes along with bidding on players in the NFL’s Supplemental Draft. Most of the time, these are players with character issues, drug problems, or odd circumstances that forced them to not be a part of the regular NFL Draft process. However, that doesn’t mean that there can’t be great players found among the group.

Here is a list of the players who are eligible to be bid upon during the Supplemental Draft, which acts like a silent auction for NFL teams to bid using their picks in the upcoming draft:

Eddie D’Antuono LS, Virginia Tech

  • It isn’t often that you see a long snapper as one of the top options in a draft, but the importance of this position isn’t lost on most NFL teams. However, it would be surprising to see the Vikings put in a claim on D’Antuono.

Ra’Zahn Howard DL, Purdue

  • After leaving Purdue for academic reasons, Howard wants to join the NFL rather than sit out a season and not play. He’s a big, athletic player who is the absolute wild card in this Supplemental Draft. If a team is going to shock people by using a second or third round pick on a guy, this will be the individual they target.

Jalen Overstreet, RB Sam Houston State

  • The running back will likely get the most attention in this year’s Supplemental Draft because of the position he plays, but he doesn’t quite have the statistics or resume to interest most teams. Plus, the Minnesota Vikings are pretty set on running backs this year.

Tee Shepard, DB, Mississippi

  • Shepard is a promising young player who also happens to have a hearing issue. When he was dismissed from Mississippi, he shifted some of blame on his impairment. Teams will likely dive head-first into this situation before putting a claim in on him.

Rashaun Simonise WR, Calgary

  • Calgary absolutely dominated last season, and Simonise was a major part of that. Catching 51 passes for 1079 yards and 11 touchdowns last season should be enough to put him on the radar of NFL teams looking for a 6’5″ pass catcher to develop. He could be worth a late round claim to stash on the practice squad.

Cameron Walton DE, Concordia (Alabama)

  • Concordia in Alabama shut down their football program last year, which made it hard for Cameron Walton to stay in the public eye. However, with the NFL’s focus on disrupting the passing game, he could have some teams interested in his services.

Next: Vikings game-by-game 2016 season preview

The results of the Supplemental Draft will be announced on July 14th. At that time, fans will know whether or not any of these players will join the Minnesota Vikings, be selected by another team, or join the free agency pool.

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