Travin Dural, LSU, Wide Receiver: 2016 NFL Scouting Report

When you mix talent, size, natural ability and add horrific quarterback play you get 6’2 203 lbs Junior LSU wide receiver Travin Dural. Dural has some of the most pedestrian stats a number one wide receiver has to offer but that does not tell the whole story. In an offense that relies heavily on “21” and “22” personnel it is going to be hard to support almost any wide receiver in the country.

LSU has a history of hiding the true talents of many wide receivers, a prime example is Odell Beckham Jr who looks light years better than he ever did in college. Others like Jarvis Landry and Rueben Randle have also faced the same issue in years past and have fared much better in the NFL than at LSU. TravinDural is facing the same problem and this time we should not be caught off guard.

Dural is one of the most gifted wide receivers college football has to offer, but box score scouts would not understand that by looking at his junior year numbers. After posting 37 receptions 758 yards and seven touchdowns during his sophomore year, Dural posted a whopping 28 receptions with 533 yards and five touchdowns. How is that possible you ask? well it is possible when you play wide receiver at LSU.

Strengths

Dural possess some of the best hands in all of college football, the ball sticks to his hands with little movement when its caught. He has the fantastic ability to extend his arms and catch the ball at its highest point over cornerbacks. The thing that stands out the most with Dural is that it’s all natural, effortless and second nature to him.

The way Dural just plucks the ball and brings it in opened my eyes. The majority of wide receivers would have body caught that deep ball but something is different about Dural. That play shows how exceptional his hands really are but more video evidence will backup my claim.

Ask any wide receiver, the over the shoulder catch is the most difficult catch of all. Dural makes it look easy and effortless here. Look at his eyes on this play, he follows the ball throughout its path to his hands which is key for a wide receiver. Taking your eyes off the ball creates drops and bad habits but he always seems to have his eyes locked onto the football.

Dural high points the ball over two Alabama defenders on a long 3rd down when everyone in the stadium knows a pass is about to be thrown. After a rare bobble, he shows off his strong hands by possessing it on the way to the ground and not losing it once he hits the turf.

The leaping ability, strong, consistent hands and attacking the ball at its highest point are all attributes stud number one wide receivers should posses. Dural has them all and more.

One thing LSU did real well was getting Dural involved in the running game with plays like this to utilize his speed. He is not the quickest guy off the line but he can accelerate and turn it on when needed. His long-range speed is extremely impressive, on the play blow you will see the long-range speed I am talking about.

Geno Matias-Smith had a full five yard head start on Dural out of his backpedal but Dural turns it on once the ball is in the air.

If he’s even he’s leaving, when Dural is matched up one on one with a defensive back just throw it down field and watch him get it. 

His potential is what will keep me going during this offseason. He oozes with an insane amount of potential that was kept quiet in Baton Rouge for three years. Dural’s effortless, smooth and natural abilities resembles Deandre Hopkins. Both have a calm demeanor about them and almost look bored out there making plays. They both are never phased by the pressure and let their game do the talking.

Travin Dural is my #2 wide receiver behind Laquon Treadwell who is clearly the best WR in this draft. Dural is not getting any draft hype mainly because of those sub par numbers and a horrific offensive passing attack at LSU. Put this guy in any other offense and he garners first round attention, I truly believe that.

When you have a players like Leonard Fournette and Malachi Dupre on your team it is going to be hard to get your touches. Dural showed out of this world skill when he was given a chance and just like other LSU wide receivers in the past he was not able to fully show off his real abilities.

Don’t fall victim to the LSU wide receiver again, appreciate the talent and wherever he lands that team will be getting something special.