NFL Supplemental Draft Primer and Predictions
Well, it’s not the actual NFL Draft, but NFL fans get another event today with all 32 teams and former college players in the 2015 Supplemental Draft.
Riveting, I know.
At any rate, unlike some previous years, this year’s supplemental draft selection process involves at least one player that NFL teams are likely thinking about drafting. That player is Clemson offensive tackle Isaiah Battle, who was some analysts second ranked tackle going into 2016 NFL Draft preparations this offseason.
Battle held a Pro Day in front of 26 NFL teams, and apparently had a great workout. He checked in at 6-7, 290 pounds and ran a 40-yard dash as fast as 5.21 seconds.
Because, you know, he’s going to need to be able to do that in a game.
Battle is widely considered to be the only player that’s going to be selected in this draft. He’s a perfect zone blocking tackle according to analysts and scouts, and could possibly work in right away at right tackle. With a child due this summer, Battle cited family reasons as his motivation for leaving school early and making himself eligible for the supplemental draft.
Teams are probably leery of that reasoning, though valid, due to the fact that Battle has had off-field issues in his time at Clemson. There are some serious concerns with Battle’s personal character, which could very well drop him in today’s supplemental draft, but he’s expected to go anywhere as high as the third round or later. That’s the kind of talent we’re talking about here.
Darrius Caldwell, a former Illinois defensive end and West Georgia transfer who had 12 sacks last season. He didn’t show out well at his pro day, so the projection from many right now is that Caldwell will go undrafted.
His West Georgia teammate Dalvon Stuckey might have a better chance of getting drafted, producing 4.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles last year. He might be worth a late-round flyer to some team.
Former UConn tight end Sean McQuillan was projected to be a team captain for the Huskies this season, but was arrested in April and dismissed from the team. He actually had a pretty good tight end compared to the assumptions that people had of him being a tighter athlete, so scouts may now be intrigued. However, with a court date looming yet in July, there’s likely no way McQuillan gets drafted, though the 6-3 tight end could be picked up by training camp.
North Carolina Central wide receiver/return specialist Adrian Wilkins will be intriguing to teams despite his smaller size at 5-8, 175 pounds, but he was an incredibly productive kick and punt returner. His size could keep him from getting drafted but he’s a proven playmaker that could get invited to some team’s camp.
Other Eligible Players
Eric Eiland, DE, Houston
Kevin Short, DB, Kansas
Prediction
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Isaiah Battle is the only player who’s going to get picked, and I think it’s going to be by the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have had their share of issues along the offensive line this offseason, and adding a player with Battle’s potential could wind up being a great scenario for them at this time next year if they decide to move on from the injured Ryan Clady, who is due a ton of money.
Battle can come in and compete at right tackle, develop there, and give the Broncos a talented option to look at for the future.