By J.T.
Photo Credit- Tomahawk Nation
The NFL Draft talk never ends and we are here at Draft 412 in an effort to keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars. From today until draft night 2024 we will bring you mocks, profiles, team needs, and everything else related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - Florida State, Quarterback, Jordan Travis
Name- Jordan Travis
Pos- QB
Team- Florida State
HT/WT- 6’1” 212 lbs
Born- 5/2/2000
Home – West Palm Beach, FL
Jordan Travis originally attended Palm Beach Central High School in West Palm Beach Florida before transferring to The Benjamin School. Coming out of high school 247sports had him ranked as the #24 dual threat quarterback. He chose Louisville over several other offers.
At Louisville, Travis played in just 3 games, going 4-14 for 71 yards and 1 touchdown, while rushing for 40 yards on 8 attempts. He announced in December of his freshman season that he was transferring to Florida State. His brother Devon Travis played at Florida State on way to becoming a major league player for the Toronto Blue Jays.
In his first season as a Seminole, Travis played in each of the last 4 games. He was 6-11 for 79 yards passing, but he ran 23 times for 228 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is the first Florida State player to complete a 60-yard pass and have a 60 plus yard run in the same game.
In 2020 he started 6 games for the Seminoles at quarterback and threw for 1,056 yards with 6 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He once again showed his dual-threat ability by running for 559 yards and 7 touchdowns, breaking 1992 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward’s record for rushing yards in a season by a Seminole quarterback.
During the 2021 season Travis started 8 of his 10 games throwing for 1,539 yards and 15 touchdowns, while adding 530 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground. He was named Seminole offensive MVP for 2021.
In 2022 Jordan Travis showed what he could do leading a team for a full season. He started all 13 games, and finished the season as the highest graded passer in the FBS by PFF (91.7). He threw for 3,214 yards, with 24 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. He once again was a threat on the ground, running for 417 yards and 7 touchdowns. He even caught a 2-yard touchdown pass during the season.
Travis is a dual-threat quarterback who has shown the ability to play in the pocket this past season. He has a strong arm and can easily make all the throws at the NFL level. His athleticism is going to be at the top of this draft class regardless of position. He showed this past season that he can stand in the pocket and has a quick release to hit receivers in any route. H keeps his eyes open downfield when he scrambles and is a nightmare for defenses trying to gauge his movements.
As a runner he is elite, and can make a little space become 20 yards at a blink of an eye. He throws on the run as well as anybody Draft 412 has seen in recent memory. He has great throwing mechanics and can generate power from his legs or just with a flick of his wrist.
On the downside, Travis has issues with accuracy. Though his mechanics throwing the ball are good, his lower half at times can be ahead of his arm causing balls to sail. He is slow to go through his progressions and at times can get run happy and takes off too soon. His size may come into play at times as well. At 6’1” he has problems with balls getting knocked down at the line of scrimmage. He has had injury struggles and with his slight frame taking hits at the NFL level could add to this problem.
Watching film on Jordan Travis, Draft 412 saw a right handed version of Michael Vick. Vick while at Virginia Tech was a dual-threat quarterback who could make any throw that was needed. They have close to the same build, and Travis has that uncanny ability to extend plays, and create when all hope appears lost. Vick also had issues staying healthy and it is not hard to foresee the same for Travis.
Strengths
Athleticism
Can make all throws
Keeps eyes downfield
Running ability
Weaknesses
Size
Progression
Injury history
Lower body mechanics
Final Analysis
Jordan Travis is a high riser who is right behind the elite quarterbacks in this draft. He has the arm strength and athleticism to be the Anthony Richardson of this year's combine. If he improves on last season’s number a first round pick is all but guaranteed.
Draft 412 Prediction: Round 1 or 2