Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach needs to prioritize finding options at left tackle this coming offseason. The 2025 NFL draft lacks elite talent at the position, but several mid-round developmental options possess key traits the Chiefs need.
Standout offensive lineman Jalen Travis transferred from Princeton to Iowa State after the 2023 season. He elevated his game to match the physicality of the Power Four. Unofficially listed at 6’7″, 340 lbs., Travis is a massive athlete with starting experience at left and right tackle.
Travis displays impressive explosiveness in his kick step for a tackle with his elite size. That initial step helps him gain the width and depth to cover the full arc and cut off wide-alignment pass rushers. Travis alters his tempo to match the rusher’s speed.
Most defenders lack the power to challenge Travis’ sturdy anchor. He keeps his hands close to his frame early in the play before launching powerful punches that knock defenders off their intended paths. Travis’ large hands clamp down, allowing him to arrest defenders and quickly end plays. He deploys hand counters to break long-arms and snatch-traps.
Watch Iowa State left tackle Jalen Travis (Princeton transfer) vs. UCF's Malachi Lawrence. #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2025 #2025NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/rBN7TuKi76
— Sam Teets (@Sam_Teets33) October 21, 2024
Travis’ size limits his ability to reaccelerate in his pass set once he slows down, and he bends at the waist frequently. His forward lean leads to some balance concerns, especially at the top of the arc. He makes some impactful finishes but doesn’t dominate in the run game consistently.
Travis projects as an early Day 3 selection. He plans to improve his draft stock by attending the Senior Bowl in late January and competing against the best collection of defensive line talent in the country. The lack of depth at offensive tackle in the 2025 NFL draft might propel Travis into the third round.
