Travis Kelce: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Cincinnati Tight End

Can a guy with really only one year in college under his belt make an impact in the NFL? 

Travis Kelce is an imposing and somewhat controversial figure. He will likely get his name called on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, but who is he, and how does he translate to the next level? 

Here is all you need to know about Cincinnati tight end Travis Kelce.  

Background

Travis Kelce hails from Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He accepted a scholarship from Cincinnati after turning down offers from Akron, Eastern Michigan and Miami of Ohio. 

The four year Bearcat majored in Exploratory Studies. He redshirted the 2008 season and was suspended for the 2010 season due to a violation of team rules. 

His brother Jason Kelce plays center for the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Statistics

In his final season, Kelce set personal bests with 45 receptions, 722 yards and eight receiving touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-Conference honors that season. He also won the College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year. 

Before his last season, Kelce only had 14 receptions. 

Draft Process

At his pro day, Travis Kelce measured in at 6'5'', 255 lbs. He ran a 4.61 40-yard dash. He did not lift due to a past injury. He did not compete at the NFL Scouting Combine due to a sports hernia. 

He got sick at his pro day after running the 40 and did not run any routes afterwards. Only 12 teams were present to watch him perform. 

Interesting Facts

Travis Kelce came to Cincinnati a three-year letter-winner at quarterback. He had over 2,500 yards of total offense as a senior in high school. In 2007, he had 31 total touchdowns including 10 on the ground. 

After redshirting his first year, Kelce's main action at Cincinnati was in the Wildcat formation. He played tight end and quarterback, and had eight rushes for 47 yards and only one catch. 

Observations

Travis Kelce is still widely considered a second-level tight end in this year's draft, despite not being able to show much at the Combine and at his pro day. 

His blocking skills will transition well to the next level. He isn't overly athletic and won't stretch the defense, but his value comes from doing a ton of things well. 

Kelce can be drafted anywhere from the late second round to the third round.

Bleacher Report's NFL Draft Lead Writer Sigmund Bloom gives an terrific scouting report on him and wonders if the Rob Gronkowski comparisons are warranted.