Western Michigan cornerback Sam Beal is talented enough to play in the NFL. Due to concerns about his academic eligibility, the junior is filing to enter the 2018 supplemental draft.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news, and Yahoo’s Pete Thamel provided the explanation from WMU head coach Tim Lester. Beal wouldn’t be eligible to play at Western in 2018 because of academic credit shortcomings.
According to Thamel, Lester stressed the Beal did not flunk out of school, rather that he didn’t meet minimum credit standards.
Both reports note Beal is considered a second-round talent. The last player selected that high in the supplemental draft was Josh Gordon by the Cleveland Browns in 2012.
After posting 55 tackles and eight pass breakups in 2016, Beal collected 26 stops, 10 breakups, two interceptions and one forced fumbles as a junior.
Beal joins Virginia Tech corner Adonis Alexander as potential picks in the draft. Since 2000, only two years (2007 and 2010) have included two supplemental choices.