*Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Isaiah Battle Faces Variety of Off-the-Field Issues
Updated June 30, 2015By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.
Over the past couple of years, the supplemental draft hasn’t offered the NFL much talent. The previous major prospect to be taken in the supplemental draft was Baylor wide receiver Josh Gordon in 2012. Clemson left tackle Isaiah Battle is hoping to change that this year, as he decided to enter this summer’s supplemental draft because of the birth of his child this summer. There have been rumors of off-the-field issues concerning Battle, and we did some digging with team sources to find out what round they were projecting Battle to go and how their character evaluations came back on him.
The off-the-field issues will definitely hurt the round value on where teams will draft him. According to sources, Battle had a couple of failed drug tests at Clemson. He had a citation for marijuana this year when it was found on him after being pulled over speeding. League contacts say that Battle also has some anger-management issues, and they don’t feel he is all that coachable.
Our sources told us that if Battle happened to be in a normal draft class, and didn’t have any character concerns, he would grade out as a third-round pick from his tape. They like Battle’s length, athleticism and balance as a pass/blocker. They feel that the 6-7, 290-pounder needs some work, but he has the ability to develop into a starting left tackle in the NFL. Early on, he probably should be developed as a backup and serve as a swing tackle on game days.
In the supplemental draft, teams generally move the grade down a round from that number. Then, the off-the-field issues are factored into the grade, and that will vary by team. From speaking with sources, it sounds like Battle can expect to be selected by a team likely using a fourth- or fifth-round pick.
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