The Oakland Raiders want to make sure that second-year quarterback Derek Carr has all the resources he needs to become a franchise quarterback. That means providing him with consistent protection up front along the offensive line.
Clemson offensive tackle Isaiah Battle has impressed NFL scouts so much that he has a legitimate shot of becoming the first player chosen in the NFL supplemental draft since the Cleveland Browns selected wide receiver Josh Gordon three years ago. He'll be entering the July 9 draft because he is soon to be a father and has said he wants to start making an income to support his family.
Should the Oakland Raiders consider Battle?
It's not as if the Raiders are hurting desperately in pass protection. Oakland's offensive line finished sixth in the NFL in sacks allowed (28) and fifth in QB hits (56) (though some of that has to do with Carr's reluctance to throw deep). They have Menelik Watson competing for a starting job at right tackle and a few young guys like Anthony Morris that they hope to develop. But Oakland's run blocking is another story entirely and you can never really have enough quality linemen.
"If Oakland decides it loves Battle, he would be worth a look," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson wrote. "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."
