Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Update: Travis Homer, RB SEA

Name: Travis Homer

Position: Running Back

Pro Team: Seattle Seahawks

College Team: Miami Hurricanes

Draft Status: Sixth round, 204th overall

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

COMBINE REVIEW

• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 201 pounds
• Arms: 31 1/2”
• Hands: 10”
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.48 seconds
• Bench press: 17 reps
• Vertical Jump: 39.5”
• Broad Jump: 130”
• 3-Cone Drill: 7.07 seconds
• 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.31 seconds
• 60-Yard Shuttle: N/A

STRENGTHS

• Good lateral agility – bounces runs out smooth and quick
• Footwork in traffic is very good
• Contact balance is a big plus. He doesn’t go down easily
• Tough – invites blockers when blocking and lowers shoulder when running
• Great at pass protection and not afraid to engage blitzers
• Good pace when running. Shifts up and down in speed to gain more
• Solid hands out of the backfield – runs well after the catch
• Productive when given the chance but never had full workload

WEAKNESSES

• Fumble issues. One fumble every 42 carries in college
• Too quick to lower head and hit when other options are possible
• Engaged tacklers at points instead of eluding them
• Vision could be better – doesn’t assess full field before running
• Needs to work on setting up tacklers and stringing moves together

OPPORTUNITIES

Homer played in 13 games 2017 and 2018, his sophomore and junior seasons at Miami. He had nearly identical stats in both seasons, it was a little uncanny – touchdowns being the only real difference.

In 2017, the U started to feature Homer and he responded with 966 yards (5.9 yards per carry) and eight scores on the ground as well as 18 grabs for 219 yards and another score. Many expected the young back to tack on more and take a step forward in his junior season. He responded with 985 yards (6.0 ypc) and four scores rushing as well as 19 catches for 186 receiving yards.

In both seasons, he earned Second-Team All-Conference – and he opted to enter the draft early instead of returning for his senior season.

Homer notched solid numbers at the Scouting Combine in April. His 40-yard dash was fourth quickest among running backs and his jumps were phenomenal – his vertical was second highest and broad jump was tied for the best overall. His athletic traits are phenomenal, but he left Indianapolis without improving his draft stock at all.

The Seahawks added Homer to their running back room by selecting him in the sixth round. Seattle have had a fair amount of running backs start for them since the departure of Marshawn Lynch. Homer should find a place on the roster and provide another element for the team that averaged the second most rushing attempts per game in 2018.

THREATS

Playing time, even knowing how much as the Seahawks run, will be tough to come by for Homer. Chris Carson is the starter and gets a bulk of the work. Rashaad Penny was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft and will be next in line should something happen with Carson. He should also see an increased workload this season.

This leaves Homer to fight with JD McKissic and CJ Prosise for carries or third-down work behind the top duo. McKissic and Procise have also started for Seattle in the past and have been modestly successful doing so.

SHORT-TERM EXPECTATIONS

Barring catastrophe, Homer will not see the field much in 2019. He was a valuable contributor on special teams in college, making eight tackles on special teams his freshman season.

His ideal role would be a third-down back given his pass-catching chops and ferocity as a blocker. He could see some reps there but Penny has the draft capital and may get a lion’s share of the opportunities in the role. I would be surprised if Homer was able to find 50 touches in 2019.

LONG-TERM EXPECTATIONS

Unless he adds some bulk and impresses the coaching staff, the long-term outlook isn’t going to be a whole lot better.

There are things to love about his game: I was impressed with his running in the second level. He made some electric plays and at times would seem to be stuffed but bounce out of contact for a big gain.

Homer could become the third-down back for Seattle down the road and earn a few carries spelling the lead back as well. He is still capped a little by the murky situation, and the recent history of the team has been to not fully rest the workload on one back. A hundred touches a season and 500-600 yards with a handful of touchdowns a year is where I project his ceiling in the NFL. Most seasons will be below those numbers unless he makes some steps forward with ball security, patience, and adding size.

NFL PLAYER COMPARISON

One play style and skill set close to Homer is that of Wendell Smallwood of the Eagles. Both are quick, smaller players who catch well out of the backfield and can contribute in the run game in doses as well.

I could see a very similar career trajectory and NFL role for Homer as Smallwood. They are nearly the same size, and both were day three draft picks as well.

PROJECTED ROOKIE DRAFT RANGE

According to our Rookie ADP, Homer is at 44.80 in the last ten rookie mock drafts. He is currently the 18th running back drafted. Homer is a late dart throw who may hopefully contribute at some point in his career from a fantasy standpoint.