Houston Texans: Sam Beal needs to be selected in the supplemental draft

The Houston Texans need some help in the secondary still. Prospect Sam Beal is an ideal fit in the supplemental draft, here’s why the team should target him.

The Houston Texans have selected two players in the supplemental draft in team history. However, it has been 15 years since they last selected anyone. In 2002, the Texans selected OG Milford Brown from Florida State in the 6th round. In 2003, they selected RB Tony Hollings out of Georgia Tech in the 2nd round.

Perhaps, the reason why the Texans haven’t selected anyone in the supplemental draft since them is that neither turned out great. Selecting players in the supplemental draft is always risky. A team forfeits a corresponding pick in the upcoming draft if they select a player in the supplemental. Most of the time, players in the supplemental draft have some sort of negative stigma attached to them.

For instance, one of the most notable and successful guys in recent memory is Josh Gordon. He had issues with marijuana in college and after multiple things declared for the supplemental draft. Since then, he has received multiple suspensions for marijuana use in the NFL.

However, Sam Beal has no negative reports about him coming into the supplemental draft. He has no past drug issues. He has no coaches or teammates saying he was a bad teammate. There is simply nothing bad that jumps out at you about him. So, why is Beal in the supplemental draft?

Who is Sam Beal?

Sam Beal was a two-star recruit out of Grand Rapids, Michigan when he committed to play for Western Michigan. He quickly developed and turned into a standout player for the Broncos. He played in 12 games as a freshman and became a starter in his sophomore campaign.

Beal has great size, standing at 6’1″ and weighing 185 lbs. But, he’s not just an athlete. He has strong football IQ and very solid ball skills. His sophomore year he collected eight pass breakups. Last year, in his junior season, he intercepted two passes to go with ten breakups.

So, he’s a solid athlete, good football player, with no red flags. He was projected to be a top 100 pick in this past year’s draft. But, he opted to stay in school so he could graduate. Unfortunately, he was a little behind on credits and was facing ineligibility. He wouldn’t hear from the NCAA until right before the season started. So, he decided to change his plans and enter the supplemental draft.

Why should the Houston Texans target him?

More from House of Houston

The Houston Texans cornerback cupboard is barer than it has been in a long time. Johnathan Joseph is on his last legs. Kareem Jackson is moving to safety full time. Kevin Johnson had his fifth-year option picked up but, he’s been hurt frequently and plays too inconsistently. The team added Aaron Colvin in free agency but, he can’t do it all himself.

The Texans, however, are primed to make a splash in the supplemental draft. The supplemental draft operates in tiers based on the previous season’s record. The Texans are in the first tier since they only won four games in 2017. So, they have a good shot at landing a potential impact player if they want one.

Beal is regarded as the best prospect in the supplemental draft. The Houston Texans should bid a second-round pick on him. The Texans have two second-round picks in 2019, their own and the Seahawks from the Duane Brown trade.

Beal is expected to be a third-round pick in the draft but, the Texans should take the risk and bid a second. The team needs help at corner. Beal has the size to man the outside very well. If the Texans take the risk, Beal could reward it with years of solid play.

Next: Predicting the Texans 2018 offensive line

Adding a player like Beal will fill a hole in the secondary. He could help this defense regain its national prominence after a down 2017. It’s a risk to spend a second-round pick in the supplemental draft. But, Beal could be worth it and the Houston Texans have the flexibility to do it. Brain Gaine, pull the trigger.

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