The quarterbacks won’t be under the microscope until March 2 at the NFL Scouting Combine, but they juggled questions at Friday’s press conferences.
FSU’s Jordan Travis was one of several quarterbacks to do so, hinting at the two teams he hopes will select him at the 2024 NFL Draft in late April.
Travis was asked if there were any players outside of his former teammates that he would like to play with in the NFL, and he pulled two names out of his head – Davante Adams and George Pickens, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.
Both wide receivers play for the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers, which means Travis would probably be happy if either team drafted him.
The good news for Travis: both teams are planning to fill their quarterback roster spots this offseason, and he’s an intriguing prospect.
The 23-year-old has thrown for 5,970 yards, 44 touchdowns and only seven interceptions over the last two seasons. He also added 593 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Travis’ college career came to an abrupt end when he was seriously injured on 18 November against North Alabama.
As a result, Travis is currently the ninth best quarterback in Pro Football Focus’ rankings and the 123rd best prospect in the rankings.
That means he will be a fourth-round pick, while the Raiders (No. 113) and Steelers (Nos. 120 and 121) have a total of three picks in the fourth round.
Las Vegas will look to make another major move at the position this season. But the same may not be true for Pittsburgh.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan said on Thursday that he “absolutely believes” in Kenny Pickett, but they need to fill the roster spot because he is currently the only quarterback under contract with the team until 2024.
That could set up a perfect scenario for Travis, who could serve as Pickett’s backup and have a chance to establish himself as Pittsburgh’s starter if Pickett struggles.
Travis’ comments, of course, do not mean that he is only interested in playing for the Raiders and Steelers, but they are certainly two teams to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.