Colts Trade Back, Draft Jalen Travis at 127

The Indianapolis Colts began Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft by trading back 10 spots with the Los Angeles Rams, acquiring an extra sixth-round pick and selecting Iowa State offensive tackle Jalen Travis with the 127th overall pick. Travis, who transferred from Princeton and started 11 games for Iowa State, is known for his impressive size, athleticism, and versatility, but must improve his technique and anchor to succeed in the NFL. His addition is expected to allow Matt Goncalves to move to the starting right guard spot, filling a gap left by Will Fries' free agency departure. Travis excelled in pass protection at Iowa State, allowing just one sack over 475 snaps, though scouts note his run blocking remains an area for development. The Colts view Travis as a high-upside, developmental swing tackle who could eventually start, especially with right tackle Braden Smith's contract expiring after 2025. The pick is seen as a cost-effective move to address both immediate depth and long-term needs on the offensive line.