For the first time since the Cleveland Browns selected Josh Gordon in the second round of the 2012 supplemental draft, we could actually see a player join the league via this little used avenue.
Clemson left tackle Isaiah Battle, who started 11 contests for the team last year, has decided to forgo his senior season and enter the draft.
Citing personal reasons for his decision, Battle had this to say:
“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.”
The 6-foot-7, 290-pound Battle has a decent chance of being selected. CBS Sports currently has him as the fifth-best offensive tackle prospect in the 2016 NFL draft.
Battle’s draft positioning will be dependent on how teams feel of his past transgressions. He was suspended during the 2013 season for punching another player, and then again last year after being cited for possession of marijuana. As most of you know, the supplemental draft is usually reserved for players of Battle’s ilk—those who have had off-field issues in the past.
Teams that select a player in the supplemental draft forfeit their pick in the corresponding round of the traditional draft the next year.
Photo: independentmail.com