Player Profile: Travis Frederick

Travis Frederick

Height:  6'4
Weight:  312
School:  Wisconsin
Position:  Center
Ranking:  #2 Center
Projection:  2nd Round

Strengths
-Big frame allows him to play both center and guard.
-Has the size and strength to take on the big 3-4 nose tackles
-Experienced playing both center (18 starts) and guard (13 starts)
-High Football IQ.  Understands reads, blitzes, and stunts.  Keeps head on a swivel
-Quick powerful hands he uses to jolt defenders
-Well coached with solid fundamentals
-Strong anchor.  Extremely hard to get pushed back
-Uses strength to push defenders off their spot
-Good footwork makes up for lack of quickness
-Plays with the nasty demeanor coaches love
-Doesn't give up.  Plays through the whistle

Weaknesses
-Isn't a great athlete
-Quickness isn't where you would want it to be (1.85)
-Doesn't move well latterly
-Doesn't always keep his feet moving
-Will struggle getting to the second level

Summary
If you are looking for a big, strong, physical, mauling center, then Travis Frederick is for you.  He is going to use his strength and size to push defenders around and open up holes in the running game.  Frederick doesn't have great athleticism, but he makes up for it with sound technique and a high football IQ.  He uses his hands well to jolt defenders and keep them in front of him.  What Frederick struggles with is quicker defenders that take advantage of his lack of lateral quickness.  Because of his lack of athletic ability he only projects to teams that run a man blocking scheme.  Frederick does also brings some versatility having played both center and guard while at Wisconsin.  He projects best at center, but can fill in at guard if needed.  Frederick compares a lot to former teammate Peter Konz and should go somewhere in the mid to late second round. A team to really watch is Baltimore who needs somebody to replace Matt Birk at center.  Frederick's skill sets fit what the Ravens like out of their lineman.