The Indianapolis Colts started Day 3 of the NFL draft by trading back 10 spots with the Los Angeles Rams. After waiting to be back up on the board, they selected Iowa State offensive tackle Jalen Travis as the No. 127 overall pick in the fourth round.
The first part that should be included in this grade is that the Colts did gain an extra sixth-round pick (No. 190) in this year’s draft. As far as the pick of Travis, he does potentially fill the need of having a swing tackle on the roster.
He was a left tackle for the Cyclones but also played some right tackle during his time at Princeton before transferring to Iowa State for his final season. What this selection does is that the Colts now can consider sliding second-year offensive linemen into the starting right guard spot, unless Chris Ballard elects to address that with a veteran free agent.
What Indianapolis is getting in Travis is a massive tackle prospect who is six-foot-seven and 339 pounds. At the combine, he showcased some elite explosiveness with an impressive 35-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-4-inch broad jump.
Travis plays the position with strength, has nimble feet, and can absorb edge rushers with his wingspan. He does have to work on his technique for him to develop into a quality starter down the line, or at least a swing tackle for his pro career.
This selection gets a solid grade from me because it gives the Colts an option at swing tackle and to place Goncalves at right guard for this season. Plus, if he develops throughout his rookie season, he can be considered to take over at right tackle in 2026 after Braden Smith’s contract comes to an end.
Grade: B
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