2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jalen Travis

Travis participated in every test at the NFL Combine except the bench press and agility tests. He shows good athletic traits across the board, with above-average size and explosion, resulting in an unofficial Relative Athletic Score of 9.91 out of 10. That number can change as official testing numbers are released and pro-day testing occurs.

Background:

A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jalen Travis was a standout offensive lineman at DeLaSalle High School, where he earned All-State honors and gained recognition as one of the top offensive line prospects in the state. Despite his impressive size and raw power, Travis was lightly recruited due to his preference for academics, ultimately choosing Princeton over offers from several FCS and lower-tier FBS programs. He quickly established himself at Princeton as one of the Ivy League’s top offensive linemen, earning back-to-back Second-Team All-Ivy honors.

Looking to test himself against higher competition, Travis entered the transfer portal and landed at Iowa State for the 2024 season. Despite the jump in competition, he adapted quickly, securing the starting left tackle role and earning All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition. His strong play against Big 12 pass rushers confirmed his ability to compete at a high level and put him on the radar of NFL scouts.

Strengths:

• Elite Size & Length: Standing nearly 6’8” with a massive frame and long arms, Travis has the physical tools to keep pass rushers at bay. His wingspan helps him control engagements even when his technique is inconsistent.
• Athleticism for His Size: Travis moves well for a 340-pound tackle, showing good quickness in lateral movement. He can execute outside-zone concepts and climb to the second level in the run game.
• Functional Strength: Has the raw power to displace defenders in the run game and anchor against bull rushes when adequately positioned.
• Versatility: Travis has experience playing both tackle positions, giving him added value for NFL teams seeking depth along the offensive line.
• Developmental Upside: Travis's unique physical profile makes him a moldable prospect. With the right coaching, he could develop into a starting-caliber tackle.
• Intelligence: The guy got into Princeton.

Weaknesses:

• Pad Level & Leverage: Travis tends to play too high, allowing defenders to get under his pads and drive him backward in pass protection. He needs to work on his knee bend to improve his anchor.
• Flexibility Issues: His lack of lower-body flexibility limits his ability to recover when beaten off the edge, forcing him to lunge or reach rather than reset his base.
• Hand Usage: He struggles with independent hand placement, often catching defenders rather than striking with authority.
• Pass Protection Consistency: Travis can get beaten by speed rushers due to occasional hip stiffness, which limits his ability to redirect quickly.

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Jalen Travis

At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Travis confirmed his impressive measurements and athleticism for his size. His explosion tests (35-inch vertical and 9'04" broad jump) show up on tape with how quickly he fires out of his stance. There aren't many 6'8", 340-pound tackles in outside zone schemes, but Travis has proven on tape that he can handle challenging reach blocks. 

Travis’s massive size and elite length make him a difficult challenge for edge rushers to beat cleanly in pass protection. His 83.5-inch wingspan allows him to keep defenders at bay, often forcing them to take wide angles to the quarterback. While his hand placement and leverage need refinement, he has shown the ability to use his natural power to anchor against bull rushes when he gets his hands inside. 

What stands out most is his surprisingly quick feet for a lineman of his size. He moves well laterally and can mirror defenders effectively when he maintains proper technique. While speed rushers who bend well give him trouble due to his stiffness, he has the size and length to recover and run them up the arc. In 2024, his 82.5 pass block grade in true pass sets ranked 6th among all tackles in college football and 3rd in the 2025 NFL Draft class.

Jalen Travis fits the mold of a high-upside, late-round tackle prospect. His combination of size and athleticism is difficult to replicate, making him a strong candidate for teams looking to develop offensive line depth. While he will need time to refine his technique, his potential as a future starter is evident. Expect him to hear his name called in round 3 of the NFL Draft, with teams that employ zone-heavy run schemes particularly interested in his skill set.

Given his highly intelligent, disciplined background, Travis is an ideal candidate for a swing tackle role in his rookie season. He could develop into a starting tackle within two to three years.

The Bears have Braxton Jones at left tackle and seem ready to give him one last chance to solidify his role as the long-term blind side protector. Additionally, they selected Kiran Amegadjie in the third round last season, which might make them reluctant to draft another tackle. However, Amegadjie might be a better fit as a guard. Selecting Travis gives them more size and some insurance in case of injury. He would also offer a cost-effective, high-upside alternative if they decide to move on from Jones after this season.

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