Rams take Battle!!!

[ReddingRam]

No it doesn't, if you can add talent you add talent, regardless. Battle can play LT the Rams don't have anyone they drafted that could do that...Smart move all the way around.

Right!. It's not like they spent a future "high" pick ... it's a fith Rd.. Like any 5th Rd pick, they will have to give him time to develop. Plus.... he is a OLT ... we don't really have anybody to back up GRob other than Saffold. This was a smart move. No different than taking a 5th Rd. flier on a guy NEXT YEAR. Look ... we have had major problems on the OL .. and tried fixing it with cast offs and old/oft injured FA's. This yr they decided to go YOUNG, TALENTED

 

[V3]

So lets say, for the sake of argument that he wins the LT job. Do you consider G. Rob a bust if he gets moved inside to left guard?

Not a bust as a player but a bust of a pick by Fisher/Snead. You don't take OG's 2nd overall. Look at all the amazing players they could have taken at #2 and then used a later pick for an OG that would perform just fine. It's not that hard to find solid OGs later in the draft.

 

[BonifayRam]

I have been saying since the draft that the one area in out OL that was not addressed was the OLT reserve or swing OT position. But I am positive over this pick & the use of the 5th rd 2016 selection.

Battle from all that I can find on him is much more OLT & very little ORT. So it would be a stretch for me to think of Battle as a Swing OT. Andrew Donnal was the closes thing we have that might work into that role in time but that too is really being way too positive & more on the somewhat unrealistic area.

So Snead says he will be red-shirted? How would that work?

 

[ReddingRam]

Thinking about Snead's comments about Battle "starting his rookie season in 2016" ... Does that sound like they putting him on the NFIL ?

 

[ReddingRam]

I have been saying since the draft that the one area in out OL that was not addressed was the OLT reserve or swing OT position. But I am positive over this pick & the use of the 5th rd 2016 selection.

Battle from all that I can find on him is much more OLT & very little ORT. So it would be a stretch for me to think of Battle as a Swing OT. Andrew Donnal was the closes thing we have that might work into that role in time but that too is really being way too positive & more on the somewhat unrealistic area.

So Snead says he will be red-shirted? How would that work?

Thinking about Snead's comments about Battle "starting his rookie season in 2016" ... Does that sound like they putting him on the NFIL ?

 

[Akrasian]

I assume saying Battle would be redshirted is metaphorical. Unless he mysteriously gets injured and goes on IR, there isn't redshirt status in the NFL. Snead is saying that they don't expect anything from him this year - he'll be practicing and building up his strength. I suppose if he doesn't get put on IR he might be useful late in the season, after a few months of the weight room under NFL guidance.

Of course, it's routine to have minor injuries in training camp, little dings etc - so he could be IRed I suppose. It wouldn't be the first time that a player for which a team didn't have any immediate room got put on IR for an injury that might make him miss a week normally. Battle wouldn't complain I'm sure - he'll be getting a very nice salary to support his new kid.

 

[rdlkgliders]

It will be interesting to see where he lands in the pecking order when comparing him to the other rookies we drafted. Breaking rules including the drug policy even if it is "Just Marijuana" is a concern.
I have always believed the first 5 rounds are where you have your highest percentage for acquiring a contributor. I think it is pick 160 and below that the odds of making and playing are very low.
I am neither ecstatic or disappointed he is a pick with potential and more than likely won't see any game time action for a season or 2 if ever.
GL Battle

 

[Corbin]

It will be interesting to see where he lands in the pecking order when comparing him to the other rookies we drafted. Breaking rules including the drug policy even if it is "Just Marijuana" is a concern.
I have always believed the first 5 rounds are where you have your highest percentage for acquiring a contributor. I think it is pick 160 and below that the odds of making and playing are very low.
I am neither ecstatic or disappointed he is a pick with potential and more than likely won't see any game time action for a season or 2 if ever.
GL Battle

Are you talking about Battle or Barrett Jones?

 

[RamBill]

ESPNP's Ed Werder, Mike Reiss and Jeff Legwold discuss the Rams’ use of a fifth-round supplemental draft pick for LT Isaiah Battle.

Watch Battle Discussion

 

[JackDRams]

I like going and getting this guy. But the part that pisses me off, is let's give up a fifth for this kid who clearly has some issues. But not even a seventh on Collins, when he "might" have an issue, but it wasn't likely he was at fault. Makes sense. A seventh is virtually nothing. After the draft and seeing the rookies, did something concern them where they went, "oh shit, maybe we should have taken Collins. Well let's grab Battle instead." Just seems weird they pick and choose when to take a problem player. It seems they go after the more risky ones.

 

[RamBill]

Nate Latsch discusses the Rams selection of OT Isaiah Battle in the Supplemental Draft, Todd Gurley’s rehab, Tre Mason’s prospects for 2015, and Nick Foles potential contract extension.

Listen to Latsch Talk Rams

 

[Selassie I]

Thinking about Snead's comments about Battle "starting his rookie season in 2016" ... Does that sound like they putting him on the NFIL ?

Yeah, it sounds like we may be "redshirting him" so to speak for this year. If the quotes I've read from Snead are accurate anyway.

 

[RamBill]

Isaiah Battle picked by Rams, is 1st supplemental pick since 2012
By Nick Wagoner
ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13228050/st-louis-rams-pick-isaiah-battle-supplemental-draft

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams' quest to add young talent to their offensive line continued Thursday when they used a fifth-round supplemental draft choice on former Clemson tackle Isaiah Battle.

Battle is the fifth offensive lineman the Rams have spent a draft choice on this year after they used four picks on the line in this year's NFL draft. The Rams now forfeit their fifth-round choice in the 2016 NFL draft.

Pro Bowlers Rare From Supplemental Draft

Isaiah Battle became the 43rd player to be selected in the supplemental draft. Of the previous 42, only eight have been selected to a Pro Bowl and Cris Carter is the only one to become a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Player Draft Year
Josh Gordon 2012
Ahmad Brooks 2006
Jamal Williams 1998
Mike Wahle 1998
Rob Moore 1990
Bobby Humphrey 1989
Cris Carter 1987
Bernie Kosar 1985
-- Elias Sports Bureau

Battle is the first player taken in the supplemental draft since the Cleveland Browns selected receiver Josh Gordon in 2012 and becomes the 43rd player selected since the supplemental draft began. He's also the first supplemental choice made by the Rams since they moved to St. Louis in 1995.

"We felt it was an opportunity to get an earlier round value for a later round price," Rams general manager Les Snead said in a statement. "He's going to practice what would've been his final year of college eligibility with us, go through our offseason program, and then start his rookie season a year from now. This will allow us to bring him along gradually both on and off the field. Now it's up to Isaiah and us to go work to reach his potential as a person and player."

The 6-foot-6, 312-pound Battle played left tackle for the Tigers, starting 11 games in 2014 and appearing in 27 in his three-year career. There, he earned a reputation for his run-blocking, as Clemson averaged 4.5 yards per carry running to the left versus 4 up the middle and 4.1 to the right, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Battle entered the supplemental draft last month, saying he "had family matters to address," and acknowledging he had a child due this summer. He also has been dealing with off-the-field issues. According to media reports, he was cited for possession of marijuana, speeding and lack of proof of insurance on June 11.

In 2013, Clemson suspended Battle for a game for throwing a punch a North Carolina State player. Last season, he was suspended for Clemson's game against Syracuse for undisclosed disciplinary reasons.

Battle drew 26 teams to a pro day workout at Clemson on Tuesday.

In St. Louis, Battle will be expected to compete with the Rams' many young offensive linemen. The team selected right tackle Rob Havenstein in the second round this year and left tackle Greg Robinson with the No. 2 overall pick in 2014. Swing tackle Garrett Reynolds signed as a free agent this offseason to backup Robinson and Havenstein.

The Rams now have five picks in next year's draft (the fewest of any team), pending the outcome of a conditional choice traded to Philadelphia for quarterback Sam Bradford. If Bradford plays more than 50 percent of the snaps for the Eagles, the Rams would recoup that selection, which would be a third or fourth-round choice depending on how much Bradford plays.

The other six players eligible to be drafted Thursday were: West Georgia defensive tackle Dalvon Stuckey, West Georgia defensive end Darrius Caldwell, Houston defensive end Eric Eiland, UConn tight end Sean McQuillan, Kansas defensive back Kevin Short and North Carolina Central wide receiver/kick returner Adrian Wilkins.

Since they weren't selected Thursday they become unrestricted free agents.

ESPN Stats & Information contributed to this report.

 

[yrba1]

Imagine if all our rookie linemen lived up to their fullest potential.

 

[PhillyRam]

Can you please point me in the direction of the last Hall of Fame/Pro Bowl/All Madden guard taken in the top 5 of the NFL draft? Because I can sure as heck point you towards WRs, LTs, LBs, and QBs on the Final 4 NFL teams from the past 20 years that can claim that.

I will even provide a list for you to work from.

http://www.drafthistory.com/index.php/positions/g


You misunderstand what I am saying: I think Greg Robinson will end up being a top 15 LT in the league, which is totally acceptable and good enough to win a Super Bowl. But he is only worth his draft position if he ends up being a top 15 LT. If he is a top 2 left guard he is a total bust, because you totally failed on getting #2 overall value out of your #2 overall pick.

Had the Cowboys drafted Larry Allen @ #2, I doubt they would have complained about it since he was a dominant OG that helped put Emmit Smith in the HOF. So to call Robinson a total bust if he ends up at OG, well that is just silly.

 

[RamBill]

Rams select Clemson OT in supplemental draft
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_bdad1277-fea6-5ec3-aa17-b4bc546683e1.html

Turns out the Rams drafted five offensive linemen this offseason. In an unexpected move, the team selected former Clemson left tackle Isaiah Battle in the fifth round of Thursday's NFL supplemental draft.

Battle, 6-6, 312, started 11 games for Clemson last season. But off-field issues and what Battle termed "family matters" caused him to apply for the supplemental draft in mid-June. The Rams sent scout Ted Monago to Battle's pro day Tuesday and spent a lot of time talking with Clemson coaches and staff about him as well.

Battle is the first player selected by the Rams in the supplemental draft since the team moved to St. Louis in 1995. As a result of drafting Battle on Thursday, the Rams lose their fifth-round pick in 2016. He was the only player taken in the supplemental draft in the NFL this year. Every other team passed on making a selection.

The Rams will treat Battle's 2015 season as the equivalent of a redshirt season according to general manager Les Snead.

"We felt it was a chance to get an earlier-round value for a later-round price due to the circumstances," Snead said. "He's going to practice what would've been his final year of college eligibility with us, go through our offseason program, and then start his rookie season a year from now.

"This will allow us to bring him along gradually both on and off the field. Now it's up to Isaiah and us to go work to reach his potential as a person and player."

It's hard to know for sure given the circumstances, but early projections had Battle as a late-first, early-second prospect for the 2016 draft. All told, the native of Brooklyn, N.Y., played in 27 games with 15 starts for Clemson.

But the "family matters" _ namely a child due this summer according to ESPN _ and a police citation (but no arrest) for marijuana possession after being pulled over for speeding last month according to the Clemson Insider, led Battle to the supplemental draft.

In 2013, Battle had been suspended for punching a North Carolina State player.

Snead was driving through the Florida Panhandle, taking his son Logan to the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, La., when he contacted the league office to make the pick.

Rams Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff was in Lake Tahoe, on the annual family vacation. Coach Jeff Fisher was fishing in Montana. So it's not as if the Rams' brass was huddled in the team's draft room at Rams Park in Earth City for this one.

In the regular draft April 30-May 2, the Rams selected four offensive linemen: Wisconsin's Rob Havenstein in Round 2; Louisville's Jamon Brown in Round 3; Iowa's Andrew Donnal in Round 4; and Fresno State's Cody Wichmann in Round 6.

The Rams had only 89 players under contract prior to the supplemental draft, so they don't have to free up a spot for Battle on the 90-man offseason roster.

 

[Mister Sin]

Idk much about the fella outside of folks saying that he can be a starting tackle in this league and can play well. Question here is, to me, do we have someone who can play center? Can Saffold kick in and maybe try this Battle fella at LG? Idk just a thought

 

[JackDRams]

Idk much about the fella outside of folks saying that he can be a starting tackle in this league and can play well. Question here is, to me, do we have someone who can play center? Can Saffold kick in and maybe try this Battle fella at LG? Idk just a thought

Are you implying Saffold play centre? If anything I would try Brown there instead and rock a line of Robinson, Battle, Brown, Saffold, Havenstein. Unless a guy like Jones lives up to his potential. Then Brown becomes solid depth.

 

[OldSchool]

Rams Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff was in Lake Tahoe, on the annual family vacation.

Huh I thought that scene from Demoff's tweet looked familiar. Glad he's partaking of our local tourism.

 

[Irish]

Had the Cowboys drafted Larry Allen @ #2, I doubt they would have complained about it since he was a dominant OG that helped put Emmit Smith in the HOF. So to call Robinson a total bust if he ends up at OG, well that is just silly.

But that's exactly what I am saying. The Point is moot. The Rams and the front office drafted Robinson to be a NFL franchise left tackle, and he will be.

In 1994 the Colts had the #2 overall pick, just like the Rams did when they drafted the LT Robinson. If they had drafted the guard Larry Allen at #2, sure, hindsight would have most likely looked at the pick favorably.

You know who they drafted instead?

Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk.

That is the point, though. You can find Larry Allen in the second round, 44 picks after you take Marshall effing Faulk. In fact, the Colts did go Guard at the top of Round 2, but they drafted Eric Mahlum instead of Allen.

You don't pass on Marshall effing Faulk to draft Larry Allen #2 overall, and if you do, you should be fired on the spot without a second's hesitation. If the Rams projected Robinson to play Left Guard and drafted him anyways, which they didn't/don't, that entire front office would have deserved to have lost their jobs. Luckily for them, and us, they did not do that, and Robinson will develop into a very fine LT, even if he never once makes a pro bowl, which he will someday.