If the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t want to add a veteran as a third option, they could look to the draft to supplement. Running the wheels off of James Conner wouldn’t be wise, and Jaylen Samuels is inexperienced while still having issues in pass protection. A third down and change of pace back who can pass protect would be a smart acquisition. Travis Homer recently came to Pittsburgh for a pre-draft visit, does he check the boxes?
Background
Travis Homer #24
Miami (FL)
Running Back
5’10”, 201lbs
Junior
– 2nd Team All-ACC
– 4 star prospect out of high school
– Chose Miami over Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Florida
– Only 334 total collegiate carries
– Will be only 20 years old on Draft Day
–
2019 Combine
40 yard dash: 4.48s
Vertical jump: 39.5″
Broad jump: 130″
Bench press of 225lbs: 17 reps
3-cone drill: 7.07s
20-yd shuttle: 4.31s
2018 Stats
164 rushes for 985 yards (6.0 avg), 4 TD
19 catches for 186 yards (9.8 avg)
What’s To Like
Not a ton of tread on him. Very willing and able in pass protection, high effort, might be one of his calling cards. Physical back who doesn’t shy from lowering his shoulder. Light on his feet, can burst through an open gap quickly. A decisive runner who doesn’t second guess himself. A natural and reliable receiver out of the backfield. High effort runner who fights for every yard. Contact balance is a plus. Follows blocks in the open field well. A weave-back who uses his low gravity to zig and zag through traffic and blockers.
Travis Homer is flying under the radar a bit. Good burst, Power, elusiveness, and contact balance for him. Great value on Day 3. pic.twitter.com/mJxdBjJudi
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) April 5, 2019
Concerns
Weight is a bit concerning, but nothing a strength and conditioning program can’t fix. Vision between the A gap is an issue, doesn’t navigate through crowds well. Not his best in short-yardage situations. Fumble concerns are heavily noted. Needs to attempt to evade a tackler rather than take him on physically, especially at the next level. As a third down back he has no return ability that has been displayed (1 career kickreturn_)
Verdict
If you’re looking for a prototypical third-down back, look no further. Homer is excellent in pass protection and is a reliable receiver who offers productive YAC. The Steelers have James Conner, who has had some issues staying healthy, and an inexperienced, yet surprisingly productive back in Jaylen Samuels. If the Steelers are smart, they would add another change of pace back who can catch, run and block into the mix. It would be wise to not run Conner into the ground and use Samuels as a change of pace back, while Homer can handle 3rd downs. Miami’s offense was tough to watch, but Homer’s ceiling is decently high if he can sure up his fumbling issue. With such a deep running back class, I could see the Steelers waiting to get a running back as I believe Homer will be pushed back due to so many running backs to choose from.
Grade: Early-Mid Day 3
Projection: Round 5
Games Watched: 2018 Virginia, 2018 Florida State, 2018 LSU
Credits: Youtube, Sports Reference, Hurricanes website, CanesWatch (img)
