2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Travis Vokolek, TE, Nebraska

Travis Vokolek is an aggressive blocker and quality receiver in Nebraska's offense. Hula Bowl scout Victor Horn breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of Vokolek as an NFL Prospect in this article. — Travis Vokolek is an aggressive blocker and quality receiver in Nebraska’s offense. Hula Bowl scout Victor Horn breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of Vokolek as an NFL Prospect in this article.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Travis Vokolek, #83
School (Code)	NEUN
DOB, Class Yr	06-04-98, SR
Height, Weight	6057, 263
40 Yd Dash	4.76
Arms, Hands
Position/Depth	TE/1st
Honors/Captainship	Nebraska Offensive Scout Team MVP (2019) Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (2022) Academic All-Big Ten (2020, 2021) Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll (Fall 2019, 2020, 2021; Spring 2020, 2021, 2022)
Season Viewed (yr)	2021, 2022
Games Watched	INPU (2022) NJRU (2022) INUN (2022)
Scout Name / Date	Victor Horn/ 10-24-2022

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	5 GP, 16 REC, 160 YDS, 1 TD
2021	9 GP, 11 REC, 127 YDS, 0 TD
2020	8 GP, 9 REC 91 YDS, 0 TD
2019	DNP due to transfer from Rutgers
2018	12 GP, 16 REC, 184 YDS, 2 TD
2017	7 GP, 1 REC, 14 YDS

Player Summary:

Travis Vokolek is an above-average NFL-size TE with a body frame reminiscent of Rob Gronkowski. He is used in a multiple-set NEUN offense as an F-TE and Y-TE. Can be a key focal point in NEUN passing game, showing open availability in TE route patterns. Moves well for his large TE frame with decent athletic ability despite little separation from a defender in route running, when needed. Has soft, catchable hands catches the ball away from his chest looks the ball in, and quickly tucks it away. Decent stem in route running with field awareness. Runs heavy-footed with minimal elusiveness but compensates with imposing his physical strength in his RAC. Looks to run over defenders, showing fearlessness playing the TE position. As a run blocker with in-line alignment coming off the ball, Vokolek has the tendency to be a little high when blocking a defender becoming out leveraged at times making him work more to secure the block. When this happens, he is not physically outmatched by using run block technique of extended arms at point of contact simultaneously exerting upper body size and strength, when this happens the block is majority of the time secured. In run blocking, in off-line alignment, Vokolek does a good job keeping feet shoulder width apart developing a sturdy base when coming off the snap engaged with a defender. Can be more leveraged with a sturdy base while engaged. While engaged with defenders, Vokolek could move feet continuously rather minimally at POC. With Vokolek doing this technique, more movement can be generated moving the defender further away from LOS creating space. Defenders do not excel against Vokolek by shedding his block, if the defender does excel it is due to Vokolek having an error in blocking technique. Has athletic ability while in backfield motion, to block end defender or in home position in backfield to block frontside or backside. Has limited athletic ability in route running but his frame compensates by giving QB a large target to see in passing window. A reliable TE.

Scheme Fit:

Y-TE, F-TE/ Motion Offense, RPO, AIR RAID Offense, Power Offense, PRO-SET

Power Statement:

Old school TE style of play, hard-nosed, aggressive blocker with pass-catching abilities. Can be a defensive concern in an offensive run and pass scheme. Is open alot in the passing game which currently is overlooked, can be a threat in the red zone because of his size and catching abilities. Consistent proper technique in run blocking would make him a complete TE with his size, aggression, physicality, hand catching, decent route running, and solid run blocking.