The Indianapolis Colts have been steadily making their way through positions of need so far in the NFL Draft, with analysts and fans largely applauding the picks made in the first two days. The standout was, of course, Penn State tight end Tyler Warren; the Colts tight end room has been in need of serious help for quite some time, and Warren was by far one of the best players available in the draft overall, to say nothing of tight ends.
General manager Chris Ballard followed that up with DE JT Tuimoloau and CB Justin Walley, but there are still multiple positions in need of being addressed - linebacker, safety, and potentially most pressingly, on the offensive line. Their round four pick will help with the latter in a big way.
Round 4: Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State
Jalen Travis is a MASSIVE tackle (6’8, 340lbs) with elite explosiveness for his size.
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 22, 2025
One of the most intriguing developmental tackle prospects in the last few years. Earns a round 4 grade from me.
These Iowa State athletes are INSANE. Something about that Ames tap water… pic.twitter.com/swQKkBBR7l
Travis is a huge offensive tackle; he had an impressive RAS and is an aggressive, physical player. The Colts desperately need this right now after losing Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. There are still some major playmakers on the offensive line, of course; losing Kelly won't hurt too much, as Tanor Bortolini played well in his rookie season, and is assumed to be the future of the position. They also still have Bernhard Raimann, Braden Smith, Matt Goncalves, and Quenton Nelson, but there's a massive hole at right guard needing to be filled.
It's not clear yet where Travis will slot in; he's not likely to start over any of the aforementioned members already on the Colts roster. But at absolute worst, he will provide some depth on the offensive line, though it's not hard to believe he'll see some time as a starter.
Round 5: DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State
DJ Giddens posted a beautiful 9.89 RAS with a 4.43 40 at 6’0, 212lbs 👀
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 12, 2025
But how’s the tape? Well..
➖ highlight reel elusiveness
➖ very slippery in traffic
➖ patient behind the LOS
➖ anticipatory vision
Day 2 talent at RB. pic.twitter.com/psnjGglv0U
DJ Giddens is a fantastic steal for the Colts this late in the draft. Yes, the Colts have an absolute beast in Jonathan Taylor, but he is in desperate need of help. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson just never quite panned out, leading the Colts to pick up Khalil Herbert in free agency, but more depth - and most importantly, reliable depth - was needed.
Giddens is fast, agile, and tough. He also is better at receiving than Taylor is - that's the one area where JT struggles - which will definitely help the Colts at finding more schemes for their ground game. His downside is in pass protection, but he has the talent and athleticism to grow and develop in the role over time.