The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be an ideal landing site for a quarterback development project.
The Buccaneers have signed their franchise quarterback, Baker Mayfield, to a three-year contract worth up to $115 million. The decision ensures that Mayfield will have the opportunity to lead the organization this season — and likely for the remainder of his contract — back into the playoffs following a remarkable 2023 season in which he led the Buccaneers to a division title and a playoff victory.
However, they might take a “risk” on Jordan Travis, a highly regarded collegiate quarterback from Florida State. Josh Hill of FanSided’s The Pewter Plank thinks that Tampa Bay will take Travis in the fourth round with the No. 125 choice.
Hill contends that drafting Travis, who was a Heisman Trophy candidate before suffering a devastating ankle injury near the end of the 2023 regular season, would provide the Buccaneers with a “succession plan” for Mayfield and correct the mistake of selecting Kyle Trask years before.
“Baker Mayfield signed a $100 million contract to be Tampa Bay’s quarterback for the next three years, but what happens next? “Taking Jordan Travis here could provide the Bucs with a succession plan for Mayfield while also correcting the mistake of drafting Kyle Trask to be that guy for Tom Brady,” says Hill.
Why Jordan Travis Could Be Insurance Plan for Baker Mayfield
Hill goes on to say that while Mayfield is currently the franchise quarterback, Travis might be in “prime” position to take over if the former proves to be a one-year mirage or departs after a few seasons.
“It’s virtually an ideal circumstance. Travis is recovering from a catastrophic leg injury and would not be under any pressure to start immediately,” writes Hill. “He’d learn behind Baker, become deeply embedded within the Bucs offense, and be in a prime position to take over if Mayfield either takes a turn for the worse or leaves in a few years.”
Jordan Travis Was Heisman Trophy Candidate Prior to Injury
Prior to his injury, the 23-year-old Travis led the Florida State Seminoles to an unbeaten season, going 11-0 and putting them in a strong position to join the College Football Playoff. Travis threw for 20 touchdowns and two interceptions while also scoring seven rushing touchdowns.
Despite missing the final two games of the season—the regular season finale and the ACC Championship Game—Travis finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Travis is unlikely to be taken in the draft until later rounds due to an ankle ailment. However, he is likely to be fully cleared by the time the draft comes around.
According to Pro Football Focus’ Travis scouting report, the former Heisman Trophy candidate is projected to be picked on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL selection, which corresponds to Hill’s estimate of Travis being selected in the fourth round.
“Travis is an excellent athlete, a fierce competitor, and a quarterback with exceptional intangibles for out-of-structure plays. His follow-through basics are a jumble, most likely because he requires greater strength on most throws, resulting in inconsistencies. He is a developing quarterback who will be a fan favorite wherever he goes (most certainly on Day 3).
Travis isn’t expected to go until the later rounds, and Trask has been a complete disaster since being picked with a second-round pick in 2021, so the Buccaneers may score a home run by picking Travis with a mid-to-late round draft pick.
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