Offensive prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft to watch at the East-West Shrine Bowl
By Rob Paul
West RB- Travis Dye, USC (5-10, 200)
Speaking of satellite backs, if not for a gruesome leg injury against Colorado this season USC’s Travis Dye would have more buzz as we head into the 2023 NFL Draft season. He still should be viewed among the better satellite backs in the class for what he brings both as a pass catcher and pass protector.
Between his four years at Oregon and one at USC, Dye’s hard-nosed running style helped set the tone for some of the best teams in the Pac-12. Over five years in the conference, he ran for 3,995 yards and added 1,071 receiving yards to go with 38 total touchdowns.
He’s got a one-cut and hit it type of decisive style that helps him consistently pick up yards inside the tackles despite his lack of size. With impressive contact balance and the lateral agility to make defenders miss in space, Dye’s a consistent threat on outside runs.
With his IQ and physicality as a pass protector and his usage as a receiver in college, Dye should quickly find a role in the NFL on third downs—he’s similar to Gio Bernard. If he’s able to practice at the Shrine Bowl coming off the injury, that will only further help his case to be selected on Day 3.