Analyst selects Indianapolis Colts’ Day 3 draft pick as rookie who could compete for starting snaps.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com listed 16 Day 3 rookies who could end up seeing some starting snaps during their first NFL season, and included on that list was Indianapolis Colts’ fourth-round pick Jalen Travis.
With Bernhard Raimann at left tackle and Braden Smith at right tackle, the Colts already had their starting tackle duo on the roster even before the draft took place. But both Raimann and Smith have missed time due to injuries in their careers, and as the likely swing tackle off the bench, Travis would be the next man up to fill in if needed.
“Left tackle Bernhard Raimann and right tackle Braden Smith missed time due to injuries last year,” wrote Reuter. “Travis has experience at both spots, is an intelligent player (played at Princeton before transferring to Iowa State) and very strong. His 35-inch arms make it tough for opponents to disengage once he’s locked on.”
After spending three seasons at Princeton, 2024 was Travis’ first year at Iowa State, where he started at left tackle. By PFF’s metrics, Travis was excellent in pass protection last season, ranking 15th out of all tackles in pass-blocking efficiency.
His presence on the Colts’ roster provides needed depth at the tackle spot, which then gives Indianapolis the added flexibility to move Matt Goncalves to right guard.
Before picking Travis, assuming Goncalves would be at guard, that would have left Blake Freeland as the first tackle option off the bench. Freeland would struggle during the 2023 season and was passed on the depth chart by Goncalves in 2024.
Along with providing tackle depth in 2025, Travis could end up being the Colts’ long-term option at right tackle, with Goncalves potentially finding a home at right guard and Smith being in the final year of his deal.