Former Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis returns to field ahead of NFL Draft
Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft in two weeks, former Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis is starting to look like his old self again. Coming off of a fractured and dislocated ankle that required surgery in November, Travis was spotted throwing the football quite smoothly on a practice field in Jacksonville, Florida on Friday. The Seminoles star had a visit with the New York Jets on Monday, then he’ll return to Florida before the draft, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
Prior to his injury this season, Travis threw for 2,756 yards with 20 touchdown passes and just two interceptions. He also had 176 rushing yards and seven more touchdowns on the ground. In five seasons for FSU, he posted 8,644 yards and 65 touchdowns while also running for 1,910 yards and 31 touchdowns.
“At this point, I’m taking it day by day,” Travis said of his recovery last month. “I’m so thankful to wake up every single day, look down at my shoes, and I’m so grateful. It’s been a journey, for sure. My family has helped me get through it. But yeah, I mean, I should be ready by May. That’s my goal. May, June, so ready for it.”
Travis could be in the group of quarterbacks taken later in the draft in a couple weeks’ time. The New York Jets, who don’t need a starter at quarterback now that they have Aaron Rodgers back, could be seriously considering the one-time Louisville player to apprentice under the four-time NFL MVP.
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.
Travis among Mel Kiper’s QB sleeper options for Jets
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. revealed his top picks for a late-round option for the Jets, including Jordan Travis.
“The guys that are going to be in that mix are Spencer Rattler from South Carolina, he’s certainly got the arm talent, had some really good games at South Carolina after transferring in there,” Kiper said. “Michael Pratt from Tulane, he’s not going to wow you over with any great trait but he’s a winner, he elevated that program. He beat Caleb in a bowl game two years ago.
“Doesn’t have great arm strength but he’s accurate and he’s a good decision-maker. He can beat you with his legs, run and get the first down for you and keep the drive alive. Probably a fifth, sixth or seventh-round guy that you would take a chance on at that point. Rattler will probably go a little higher.”
“Joe Milton‘s got the arm strength, he can throw the ball 75 yards but the accuracy, decision-making with him needs to improve… He’s a day three quarterback but if you’re going to roll the dice on a big arm, it’d be him,” Kiper continued.
“Jordan Travis at Florida State had a really good year until he got hurt. Carter Bradley, Gus’s son, he’s an over-achiever, he finds a way. He’s kind of like a Michael Pratt, late in the draft could be a possibility.”
The quarterbacks Kiper named rank No. 7 (Rattler), No. 8 (Pratt), No. 9 (Travis), No. 11 (Milton) and No. 13 (Bradley) in ESPN’s post-combine quarterback rankings for the 2024 NFL Draft.