
Let’s break down the Indianapolis Colts’ fourth round pick, Iowa State OT Jalen Travis.
After initially trading back with the LA Rams, the Indianapolis Colts selected Iowa State offensive tackle Jalen Travis with the 127th pick in the NFL draft. Let’s break it down with our instant analysis.
Travis has size and good athleticism to go with it. He measured in at 6-7, weighs 339 pounds, and posted a Relative Athletic Score of 9.08.
Travis spent his first three seasons at Princeton and played with Iowa State in 2024. He’s an experienced player with nearly 2,000 career offensive snaps.
Last season, Travis was excellent in pass protection. He graded out as one of PFF’s highest tackles in that area, and allowed just one sack and 11 pressures over 475 pass-blocking snaps. Among all offensive tackles last season, he ranked tied for 15th in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric at left tackle.
For what it’s worth, he’s graded out better as a pass-blocker than a run-blocker during his career.
Where does Jalen Travis fit on Colts’ offensive line?
If I had to guess right now, his presence gives the Colts that added flexibility to move Matt Goncalves to right guard. Before the addition of Travis, Blake Freeland was the only swing tackle option off the bench if Goncalves was going to be inside.
Also, with Smith in the final year of his deal, Travis could provide the Colts with a potential long-term option at right tackle–again, if the plan is for Goncalves to play guard.
Given GM Chris Ballard’s history with offensive linemen selections, I also wouldn’t be surprised if he feels Travis can play guard if needed as well.
(Please note that this article will be updated.)
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