Jordan Battle Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of the University of Alabama)

School: Alabama (Senior)

Position: SAF

HT: 6’1

WT: 206 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #31

Jordan Battle was a 4-star recruit in high school and a top-50 player in his class. Battle played for one of the top high school teams in the country, St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida. Jordan Battle is a solid, well-built safety that often plays in the one high, roaming strong safety role. He has had success ever since he stepped foot in Tuscaloosa receiving numerous All American nominations throughout his career. His dense and muscular build projects him to fit in nicely as a strong safety who can line up in a variety of different schemes and packages at the next level. Jordan has great instincts and acceleration that allow for him to prepare to make a play from 10-15 yards away from the ball. He is a great tackler and finishes with the level of physicality that defenses need. His presence is felt on every snap and as the leader of the defense, it seems to depend on him in order to be successful. Battle excels in any type of coverage as he can line up and play the nickel corner role as well as his traditional zone coverage as a strong side safety. While a big and strong player, Battle moves well and is able to keep up with most receivers on the opposing offenses. Not only can Battle backpedal in soft zones to keep receivers in front of him, but he is loose enough to turn around and turn on the burners to run with receivers. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and disrupt routes leads to hesitation from quarterbacks and ball carriers, which is all Battle needs to make a play. The safety also does well to disguise his assignment.

Jordan Battle’s areas of improvement all seem to be very coachable, which is something I always try to look for. To start, he seems to use a false step when gearing up to run towards the ball. This results in him getting there a tad slower than when he should be. Battle also has had a tendency to be greedy when trying to make plays on the ball. Whether it be trying to make an interception or a big hit, this has resulted in blown coverages or missed tackles that need to be cleaned up. Every tackle it seems as if Battle wants to put the hammer down on the ball carrier instead of just wrapping him up, but I think this will change with age and is just a result of mentality.

Battle can come in and be an instant impact starter due to his experience and success against high level competition combined with his knowledge of the game and position. If Battle can reign himself in and play a bit more under control, you will see a whole new level unlocked in his game.

Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile

Ideal Role: Strong Safety

Best Team Fits: IND, BUF, LAR

Player Comparison: Derwin James Jr.

Player Grade: 82.4