Colts' Draft Need: Travis Burke for Swing Tackle

0:00On April 16th, the Indianapolis Colts have a sneaky big need this off-season at Swing Tackle. Last year, rookie Jalen Travis locked down that backup role, but now he's stepping up to start a right tackle after Braden Smith bolted to the Houston Texans in free agency. That leaves a hole they got to feel quick. Inter Travis Burke, a massive offensive tackle from Memphis, who's blowing up in the 2026 NFL Draft talks. Colts already met him formally at the NFL Scouting Combine back in February, and now they've set up a late pre-draft Zoom call per draft buzz. From Justin Mello, Burke's journey is straight hustle. He started at Gardener Webb in 2021, bounced to Florida International in 2023, then. Crushed at Memphis last year. He started 46 games total, 29 at left tackle and 17 at right, snagging first team all AAC honors in 2025. What stands out is his tape, explosive for his size, echoing Travis at nearly 6'8", and 339 pounds.

1:03Pro football focus loves him with an 84.5 overall grade, 5th among tackles, plus elite run blocking at 84.2 and, solid pass pro at 81.5, due to allow just 13 pressures all season. Right now, Blake Freeland and Luke Tanuda are battling for the gig, but Freeland's sitting at a 51.9 career grade with a busted leg. Last summer, and Tanuda's got barely 35 NFL snaps. Burke could be the nasty mobile fix they need to keep the line deep.