Here are five things to know about Jalen Travis, the Indianapolis Colts’ 2025 fourth-round pick.
In the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Iowa State offensive tackle Jalen Travis, an addition that gives the team some added flexibility up front.
Here are five things to know about Travis, the Colts‘ 2025 fourth-round pick:
Travis ranked among the best OTs in pass protection last season
After three seasons at Princeton, the 2024 season was Travis’ first at Iowa State, where he was the starting left tackle and excellent in pass protection. According to PFF’s metrics, out of 475 pass-blocking snaps, Travis surrendered only one sack and just 11 pressures.
Compared to the rest of his position group across the FBS, Travis ranked 15th in pass-blocking efficiency, and he was ninth in PFF’s pass-blocking grade. Throughout his career, whether at Iowa State or Princeton, Travis has been much better in pass pro than as a run-blocker by PFF’s metrics.
What did the Colts like about Travis’ game, and what does he bring to the team?
On the latest episode of “Behind the Colts” we got a behind-the-scenes look at a few of the Colts’ pre-draft meetings where they discussed prospects. Part of that was hearing offensive line coach Tony Sparano break down and give his scouting report of Travis.
“Got natural power in his body,” Sparano said of Travis. “I just see some rare stuff in him. High lean mass, strength, length. He does use his hands correctly. He plays on his feet for a guy that’s almost 6-8; he ain’t on the ground. I think this guy’s going to be able to strike and anchor pretty well.”
Sparano would add: “Obviously really smart,” Sparano added. “Great character, intangibles. Like this is the kind of kid you want to bet on…Really impressive to talk to. (He) Would be an easy fit in the room. I like the kid and his upside.”
Travis’ presence gives Colts needed flexibility along OL
The addition of Travis to the mix and the boost he gives the offensive tackle depth allows the Colts the added flexibility to move Matt Goncalves to right guard.
Before the draft, if the plan is to move Goncalves to right guard, Blake Freeland would have been the Colts’ first option off the bench to be the team’s swing tackle behind Braden Smith and Bernhard Raimann. In his rookie year in 2023, Freeland took his lumps, allowing four sacks and 45 pressures, while struggling in the run game by PFF’s metrics.
At a minimum, Travis at least provides competition for that swing tackle role in the short term, and in the long term, he could be the right tackle for the Colts in 2026 and beyond with Smith in the final year of his deal.
Jalen Travis’ athletic profileWhat the scouting report says about Travis
Lance 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.”