Football | July 11, 2018

KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Former Western Michigan defensive back Sam Beal was drafted in the third round by the New York Giants in Wednesday's NFL Supplemental Draft.

Beal is the highest player selected in the NFL Supplemental Draft since the Cleveland Browns drafted wide receiver Josh Gordon in the second round in 2012. Beal is the first player to be taken in the supplemental draft since 2015, when offensive lineman Isaiah Battle went in the fifth round to the Rams. 

Beal becomes the third WMU player called to the NFL season. The Broncos had two players selected in the April NFL Draft – left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (3^rd round, Pittsburgh) and defensive back Darius Phillips (5^th round, Cincinnati).

Beal earned three letters at Western Michigan and was a Second Team All-Mid-American Conference selection this past season as a junior. He finished 2017 with two interceptions, one forced fumble, 26 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and 10 pass breakups. His first career interception came against No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold in WMU's 2017 season-opener at No. 4 ranked USC.

At his Pro Day held at Western Michigan on June 28, Beal measured at just over six feet and 178 pounds with a 72.75 wingspan and nine-inch hands. He started the afternoon with a 37 inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-6 broad jump.

Beal is the 49th player to be drafted from Western Michigan and the first Bronco to be selected by the New York Giants. WMU has now produced three draft picks in back-to-back seasons in 2017 and 2018 and eight overall since 2016.