As training camp gets closer, the Colts’ offensive line has become the spot worth watching most closely - and it all starts at right tackle.
The big question is simple: how will Jalen Travis handle the job as Indianapolis’ starting right tackle?
With Braden Smith gone in free agency, Travis is the expected man there. The fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft is heading into his second season, and he already showed he could handle himself when the Colts needed him last year.
Travis stepped in for Smith late in the season after an injury and started the final four games. Over those games, he gave up one sack and 12 pressures across 175 pass-blocking snaps, while also grading well as a run blocker by PFF’s metrics.
Quenton Nelson liked what he saw.
"I'm really impressed with him, and I thought he stepped up big for us last year," Quenton Nelson said of Travis, via Colts.com. "He's going to stay on track and be even better this year."
That makes Travis a key piece in what the Colts want to do offensively. Daniel Jones and the skill players will get plenty of attention, but the whole thing starts up front.
If the line can open holes in the run game and give Jones time to throw, the offense has a chance to function the way it’s supposed to. If not, moving the ball gets a lot harder.
And because Travis is manning one of the most important spots on the line, his performance will ripple through everything else the Colts try to do.
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