The Indianapolis Colts commenced the final day of the NFL Draft by trading back for the first time all weekend.
After general manager Chris Ballard made the move back 10 spots, he added some depth to the offensive line by taking Iowa State offensive tackle Jalen Travis.
A massive blocker, Travis is expected to compete for the swing tackle position. The Colts need the depth along the offensive line given the uncertain future regarding Braden Smith beyond the 2025 season.
Here's what NFL Draft experts said about Travis before the draft:
Jalen Travis scouting report
Dane Brugler, The Athletic (draft guide):
Brugler: "Overall, Travis' balance and anchor issues will be catnip for savvy NFL defenders, but he is relatively athletic for a body that size and strong as hell to secure blocks once in position. He has developmental potential as an NFL swing tackle."
Zierlein: "Tall, three-year starting tackle with proportional mass and length. Like most taller tackles, Travis has some athletic limitations in tight quarters and anchor concerns if he doesn’t drop his pad level. Average foot quickness is covered up a bit by an effective use of length. He has some pop on down blocks but will struggle as a man blocker due to his lack of leverage and sloppy hand placement. He’s tough on rushers when he punches with timing but is slightly below average with his mirror consistency and twist pickup. Travis has potential but the ceiling will be limited for him as he competes for a role as a swing tackle."
Brandon Thorn, Bleacher Report
Thorn: "Overall, Travis is a relatively untested tackle prospect with one year of experience in the Big 12 but has the body type of a starting tackle with solid athletic ability that offers a developmental toolkit to mold into a role player and possible spot starter down the road."
PFF: "Travis is a big, long, and explosive offensive tackle whose traits profile best in a zone-blocking scheme. While he has the size, his kick-slide quickness and length aren't quite at NFL starter levels yet, making edge protection a concern. Still, after allowing just a 2.5% pressure rate in 2024, he's an appealing Day 3 draft-and-develop candidate with upside."
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