For the first time since the Cleveland Browns invested a second round pick in wide receiver Josh Gordon in 2012, there will be a player selected in the NFL's annual Supplemental Draft.
At least, that's the early opinion of one highly-ranked NFL scout after news surfaced this week that 6-foot-6, 290 pound left tackle Isaiah Battle will be leaving Clemson early.
"Big upside athletically," the scout wrote in a text message. While the scout wouldn't go so far as to give a round projection, he expected that clubs would "definitely" be interested in the 22-year old Brooklyn, NY native, assuming that Battle checks out medically and character-wise.
While the Supplemental Draft has become a catch-all of sorts for prospects with off-field issues that endangered their eligibility, Battle's choice to leave school early for a shot at the NFL came due to family obligations.
"I have some family matters to address, with a child due this summer, and I feel it is in my best interest to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft," Battle said in statement released on Clemson's official athletic website. "I want to thank everyone at Clemson, especially Coach [Dabo] Swinney and the assistant coaches, for what they have done for me the last three years. I also want to thank my teammates. They have all had a big impact on my career."
Battle played in 27 games for the Tigers over the past three seasons, starting 11 of 12 games a year ago and 16 contests, overall.
Before investing a draft pick, teams will, of course, want to investigate Battle closely.
Physically speaking, however, Battle's combination of height, arm length (35") and easy mobility will certainly intrigue the NFL. He is still pretty raw, showing only average functional strength at this time and too often bending at the waist rather than at the knees, which leaves him vulnerable to the bull rush and counters back to the inside. He'll need time to iron out the wrinkles and get stronger but the traits are there to warrant at least middle round consideration.
"We appreciate all that Isaiah has done for the program the last three years," Swinney said. "He has made great progress in his development and has been a big contributor to our success the last three years, especially in each of the last three bowl games when he had outstanding games against very talented defensive lines from LSU, Ohio State and Oklahoma. We wish him well in his pursuit of a professional career."
I didn't mean it...but would love a young developmental OT to sit and learn behind Breno and Brick a year while improving from 290 by getting a head start in an NFL workout regimen and pushing for PT next year.
