Battle improved as the 2014 season progressed, and by the end of the year, he was a good left tackle for Clemson. Battle has excellent length with the quickness and athleticism to protect the edge. He is quick to handle speed rushers and does a nice job of sustaining his blocks once he gets his hands on the defender. Battle can hit kick-out blocks and get to the second level. Overall, he was a balanced blocker who improved with experience.
As a run- and pass-blocker, Battle needs more power. He should gain weight and fill out his frame. Battle needs more strength to move defenders in the ground game and anchor in the pass rush. If Battle were to be placed at right tackle, he definitely would need to get a lot stronger for the pros. In the NFL, Battle has the skill set to be a starting left tackle. The left side is a better fit for him immediately in 2015 if he is forced to play.
The off-the-field issues will definitely hurt the round value on where teams will consider him. According to sources, Battle had a couple of failed drug tests at Clemson. He also had a citation for marijuana this year when it was found on him after being pulled over speeding. League contacts say that Battle has some anger-management issues, and they don't feel he is all that coachable. Battle is said to not react well to hard coaching.
