Minnesota Football: NFL Draft Profile - S Damarius Travis

Safety Damarius Travis bounced back from a missed injury plagued season in 2015 to lead the Gophers in tackles. The big hitter will need to improve his cover skills in the NFL, but will have a good shot at minimum to be a major contributor on special teams.

NFL Combine

Height: 6’1

Weight: 206 Lbs

Hands: 9”

Bench Press: 13 Reps

Vertical Jump: 32.5”

Broad Jump: 9’ 7”

Travis did not wow at the combine. His vertical was five inches shorter than Travis, and his broad jump was a disapointing 9’7. He did not make up the difference in the bench press either ending up with the same thirteen reps as Myrick.

Film

Below is the video that the athletic department produced for Travis with highlights from his Gopher career. The biggest thing shown in this video is Travis is not afraid to hit. He has the sterotypical strong safety attitute where he will put his hat on yours. Whether in pass coverage or against the run, Travis will make the hit. He will fit in on a special teams coverage team immediately.

Strengths

• Physicality. Travis will hit someone. He has the right demeanor for a NFL safety. If the guy needs to be tackled, Travis will tackle him.
• Special Teams Ability. Travis played on coverage teams early in his Minnesota career and ended up with 17 career special teams tackles. He will have no problem filling that role on an NFL roster.
• Size. He has the prototypical size for an NFL safety. While he didn’t show off his physical atributes at the combine, he still has enough potential to be an end of the draft selection. .

Weaknesses

• Lateral Quickness. Travis is much better going in a north-south direction rather than east-west. Quick players can lose him in coverage.
• Long term speed—Unlike Myrick who has the speed to cover deep downfield, Travis does not have the closing speed and will need help on deep balls.

Potential Teams

New England Patriots

Travis has a private workout with the Patriots who have had Minnesota defensive backs Cedric Thompson and Brock Vereen on their roster at times. If the Patriots like what they saw a late round value pick could be a possiblity.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have seen Travis play plenty and he took a visit to Winter Park. MInnesota is probably a more likely spot as a UFA.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers worked out Travis and are looking to improve their defense. They took took defensive backs in the 2nd round, but could maybe look for another late in the 7th.

Outlook

Travis will have the potential to make an immediate impact on special teams. While probably never a starting NFL safety, he could find a role as a long term backup who makes his worth known on special teams.

Projection: 7th Round or Undrafted Free Agent