Should the Cleveland Browns take a chance on Isaiah Battle?

Nov 29, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) at the line of scrimmage against South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end David Johnson (55) at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL will hold its supplemental draft on July 9 with seven players eligible to be selected.

Joining West Georgia defensive linemen Darrius Caldwell and Dalvon Stuckey, are Houston defensive end Eric Eiland, UConn tight end Sean McQuillan, Kansas defensive back Kevin Short, North Carolina Central wide receiver/kick returner Adrian Wilkins and the one player that could be of interest to the Browns: Clemson offensive tackle Isaiah Battle.

The Browns are no strangers to the supplemental draft, having been the last team to select a player when they picked wide receiver Josh Gordon in 2012. The best supplemental pick in franchise history, and one of the best in league history, was the selection of quarterback Bernie Kosar in 1985.

So would the Browns go back to the well one more time and take a chance on Battle?

There is a lot to like about the 6-foot-6, 300-pound Battle, who started 16 of the 27 games he played at Clemson, lining up at both tackle positions. According to draftbreakdown.com:

"“the first thing that pops off of the screen with Battle is his raw athleticism. A two-sport athlete in high school, he is explosive for his size and works smoothly to the second level while quickly squaring his body to the nearest defender. He moves very well laterally, has an explosive zone step and quick-setting feet, all of which are traits needed in a zone-blocking scheme. He has good hand usage; he times his punch well, hides his hands after his initial punch and makes a constant effort to reset his hands while engaged in pass protection. In the running game, he exhibits good upper body strength and sets his hand in a position to latch on and drive at the point off attack.”"

Sounds like the type of player that a team that is looking to build a dominant offensive line would be interested in. So what’s the catch?

First off, once again according to draftbreakdown.com:

"“Battle will need time in the weight room to improve his lower body strength. His legs are disproportionately thin for his frame and his lack of strength shows on running plays. He lacks natural knee bend and can be described as a bit of a waist bender. Defenders will take advantage of this deficiency and rip him forward to clear their lane to the quarterback on a consistent basis. Another issue is his inconsistent footwork. He plays with a wide base at times, but he tends to get narrow against stronger defenders in the run game as well as against explosive edge rushers in pass protection.”"

OK, so Battle needs some more seasoning, no worries. The Browns currently have Joe Thomas holding down one tackle position and the combination of Mitchell Schwartz and Cameron Erving battling for the other one. For once, the Browns have the ability to let a talented, but raw, player have some time to develop.

What’s that? Oh, yeah, Battle’s off-the-field issues.

Officially, Battle is leaving Clemson because he has “family matters to address.” But there is also the matter of Battle having some disciplinary issues. He was suspended for a game in 2013 for punching a defensive back during a game against North Carolina State. Just recently, he was issued a citation for possession of marijuana after being pulled over for speeding.

After what the Browns have gone through with Gordon, along with the immaturity issues last season with Johnny Manziel and Justin Gilbert, it is difficult to see the Browns wanting to take on yet another player who may not be ready, maturity wise, for the NFL.

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If the Browns were interested in adding even more depth to their offensive line along with dealing with a player who may have off-the-field issues, it seems more likely that they would have taken a chance on LSU offensive tackle La’El Collins near the bottom of the most recent NFL Draft.

The fact that they passed on Collins, who is more talented than Battle, is a good indication that general manager Ray Farmer and head coach Mike Pettine are comfortable with the current state of the offensive line.

Battle has his Pro Day scheduled for July 7 at Clemson, so if the Browns have someone in attendance we’ll know whether or not Farmer is thinking along the same lines.

Should the Browns submit a low-round supplemental pick on Isaiah Battle?

Next: Johnny Manziel: Fluke or Future?

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