The San Francisco 49ers are expected to be heavy players in the 2015 NFL Supplemental Draft on Thursday since a string of early retirements and veteran free agent departures has held the organization on the brink of disaster throughout the offseason.

In hopes of mitigating the losses of Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati and 2010 first-round pick Anthony Davis, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke may be compelled to select Clemson right tackle Isaiah Battle as their best chance to stabilize the offensive line.

Prior to Davis’ departure, however, general manager Trent Baalke added a couple late-round linemen in this year’s draft. Ian Silberman and Trent Brown both have potential, but they lack the necessary polish to start in the NFL. He also grabbed veteran swing tackle Erik Pears early in free agency.

It was hoped the new additions will have time to adjust or mature before they are thrown into a starting position, but since the bomb shell left by of Davis’ early and unexpected retirement, the 49ers are reeling to find a suitable replacement at right tackle.

Pears, currently the front runner for Davis’ vacant position, was used primarily as a backup during his career, and the two incoming rookies have a long way to go. With no clear choice at right tackle and right guard, the 49ers must not get caught up in the hype around Battle.

The 6-foot-7, 290-pound lineman started 11 out of 12 games in 2014 with 18 knockdowns in 824 snaps. Battle is considered one of the top prospects for Thursday’s event and should be the first player coming off the board. However, significant character concerns may eventually drag the young tackle down in the standings.

Last year, Battle was cited for possession of marijuana and he was suspended in 2013 for punching another player. He was eventually kicked out of Clemson and forced into this year’s supplemental draft to support his unborn child.

San Francisco has the fire power to make a serious run for Battle. Having a league high of nine draft picks and up to three potential compensatory selections in 2016, the 49ers can easily afford a fourth- to seventh-round pick on the athletic lineman.

Battle has a tremendous amount of talent and loads of potential. If Baalke feels the offensive line is in need of more depth this season, then there is a strong possibility the 49ers will roll the dice on Battle despite the red flags. With that being said, Battle’s poor track record should be enough to deter the front office from pursuing him.

Also, Baalke is not prone to gambling away draft selections for potential busts. With the importance placed on each of their picks and the added uncertainty surrounding the NFL hopeful, the 49ers GM would be wise not to take Battle on Thursday.

James Forsythe is a 49ers Beat Writer at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim or add him to your network on Google.