Scouting report: Travis Beckum

6’3, 237 pounds | Wisconsin | Tight end
Strengths: When healthy, Beckum is an excellent pass-catching tight end. He runs crisp, sharp routes and possesses excellent hands. He catches the ball away from his frame and has good high-point agility. Looks like he has the hand strength to hang onto the ball after getting hit. Does an excellent job running seam routes and can gain separation after the catch. Good agility and can change direction easily. One of the fastest tight ends in this class (ran a 4.63 at the Combine).

Weaknesses: Because of his size and scheme Wisconsin ran, Beckum is a very poor blocker. He was never asked to block much for the Badgers and will almost completely have to be trained in proper blocking technique. After the catch, Beckum doesn’t have the leg strength to break a lot of tackles by linebackers and safeties. Always seemed to be banged up at Wisconsin, even before breaking his fibula in 2008. After his junior season, Beckum had shoulder surgery, which might concern teams more than the broken leg.
Final word: Going into his senior season, Beckum was considered the top tight end in the nation. Then, part way through the 2008 season, Beckum was lost to a broken leg. Combine that with a slight frame for tight end and poor blocking skills, and Beckum is no longer considered a top prospect. Still, he’ll provide a team with a solid pass-catching tight end. He’s still learning the position after playing on defense in high school and in his first year at Wisconsin.
Round projection: 3