More draft supplements
Texas defensive tackle Marco Martin and North Carolina State all-purpose running back Richard Washington have gained entry to the NFL's supplemental draft on July 13, according to officials at the league office.
Martin and Washington join a talent pool that features Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks, Iowa State defensive end/linebacker Jason Berryman and Texas fullback Ahmard Hall.
Once as highly recruited as any defensive lineman on Texas' roster, Martin faded into the background the past few years after failing to break into the Longhorns' defensive tackle rotation. Martin had previously run the 40-yard dash in the 5.20-second range, but the Mesquite (Texas) High School product has produced estimated 40 times at or below five seconds as recently as 2002 and 2003. The 6-foot-3 Martin has had some weight issues, tipping the scales between 335 and 355 pounds.
Washington is a speedy but slightly built all-purpose threat who spent his Wolfpack career producing good numbers at wide receiver. Ineligible his freshman season, Washington caught 44 passes for 500 yards and six touchdowns in 2003 despite being suspended two games for team rules violations and sitting out one game due to bruised ribs. As a junior in 2004, he missed three games because of a knee injury but still had 29 receptions for 348 yards and two touchdowns.
The 5-11, 180-pound Washington – who was timed between 4.41 and 4.45 seconds in the 40 coming out of high school – was dismissed from N.C. State's program in February of 2005.
Of all the supplemental draft prospects, Brooks appears to have drawn the most interest, specifically from the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers. Insiders have consistently stated that, while Brooks has "Day 1" type talent, he will likely not require more than a fourth-round supplemental pick to obtain his rights.
Berryman, who is seen as a situational pass rusher, and Hall, a former Marine who opened scouts' eyes with an impressive all-around workout in late March (including 40 times in the 4.5 range at nearly 235 pounds), could get a late-round call. The two will, at the very least, be signed as free agents after the draft. Both the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans have spent quality time evaluating Hall's talents, while 10 to 12 teams were represented at Berryman's pro-day workout.
The supplemental draft will be held next Thursday morning via league-wide conference call with all 32 franchises. If a team makes a pick, it will forfeit its rights to use that very same selection in the 2007 NFL draft.
MORE SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT
Former Northern Illinois linebacker Javan Lee, who recently lost his bid for a medical hardship year after missing last season due to injury, has decided to review potential transfer points at the NAIA level rather than turn pro. It is likely he would have been declared a free agent since he is five years removed from his high school graduation.
Ex-Minnesota running back Gary Russell will attempt to transfer to a lower level of football in order to play his junior season, according to a source familiar with his current situation. Since Russell is technically not three full years removed from his high school graduation, he would not have been eligible for the supplemental draft. His odds of finding a transfer school seem limited since NCAA guidelines state that a student/athlete must be in good academic standing at his/her previous program to be eligible to play at another school. Russell's most likely option will be to sit out the 2006 season and either work toward regaining his academic standing or work out for the 2007 NFL draft.
