Clemson offensive tackle Isaiah Battle seems poised to become the first player drafted in the NFL supplemental draft since Cleveland took receiver Josh Gordon three years ago.
Battle is a talented player, and he has said he's entering the July 9 supplemental draft because he is expecting a child this summer and he wants to start making an income.
Should the Oakland Raiders consider taking Battle?
I'm sure the Raiders are studying Battle, along with every other team in the NFL. The Raiders need young players. They are trying to build an offensive line for the future. Yet, they have Menelik Watson vying for a starting job at right tackle and they drafted Anthony Morris in the seventh round, who they want to develop more.
If Oakland decides it loves Battle, he would be worth a look. But if they are just lukewarm on him, I think they should take a pass. Any team that uses a supplemental pick will lose the pick for the corresponding round in the 2016 draft. I'm not sure taking a marginal prospect for the sake of taking him in the summer is a prudent way for Oakland to do business.
Battle has had some off-field issues, so there are risks. Thus, while he is certainly worth doing due diligence on, I'm not sure he is a must-take in a supplemental draft.
