Jordan Battle NFL Draft Overview
Position: Safety
Height: 6’-1”
Weight: 209 Pounds
School: Alabama
2023 NFL Draft Jordan Battle Scouting Report
Having one of the best names for a defensive player is just one of the many reasons teams should be interested in Alabama’s Jordan Battle. A four star recruit out of high school, Battle would opt to attend Alabama after initially committing to Ohio State. Deciding to play for the mastermind Nick Saban would prove to be extremely beneficial to Battle.
Being part of Saban’s system gave him playing time his freshman year without being named the starter. During that year he also contributed on special teams. Playing for almost 500 snaps, he flashed potential as a freshman tallying an interception and four pass break ups. It took him until his sophomore year before he would earn Saban’s trust as a starter as well as a significant increase in snap share. Battle would make sure Coach Saban did not regret his decision.
Playing for almost 3,000 snaps in an Alabama system that is cutthroat and loaded with talent, Battle thrived. In his time there he intercepted six passes and showed an elite ability to take it to the house, scoring on half of his interceptions. He also broke up almost twenty passes along with being a force in the run game never finishing below sixty tackles in a season once named the starter. Being a key player in the Alabama system speaks for itself, they set the standard. When teams question whether a player is NFL ready, coming from this program should eliminate all doubts.
Safety has become a position that most now take for granted. However, having an elite one can put a defense over the top. The Steelers defense from the early 2000s would never have been what they were without Troy Polamalu, the Ravens would have been what they were without Ed Reed, and the Legion of Boom would not have come close to their potential without Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. Battle is not those players currently, but has all the potential to be.
Strengths:
- Four-year player for one of the greatest minds in college football Nick Saban;
- Six career interceptions taking three of them to the house;
- Could contribute very early on special teams;
- Versatile in where he can play in the defense, experience playing deep, playing in the slot, and coming down in the box;
- Far from the greatest athlete but makes up for it with extremely sound technique, rarely caught out of position.
Weaknesses:
- Does not have the elite speed to make up ground if his technique isn’t sound;
- Can get overpowered at times trying to tackle bigger backs;
- Tendency to over pursue at times and get out of position;
- Needs to wrap up when trying to tackle instead of trying to lower his shoulder;
- Not fit to be left in man coverage often, could lead to trouble if he is asked to come down in the slot often.
NFL Comparison: Adrian Amos
Teams With A Need: Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, New England Patriots
Projection: Third Round
Bottom Line on Jordan Battle
NFL Teams can expect a player who can play from day one in Jordan Battle. He can fulfill roles as a starter, rotational player, or on special teams. He has a tremendous knowledge of the game, a willingness to hit in the run game, and ball hawking skills to write home about. While consensus has him as a third rounder, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him slip into the earlier rounds. Battle brings serious NFL contender skills to the table.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
