OT Travis Burke would give the Broncos a mauler in the run game

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 22: Florida International University Panthers offensive lineman Travis Burke (77) protects the pocket during the game between the Sam Houston State Bearkats and the Florida International University Panthers (FIU) on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

One prospect the Denver Broncos have shown interest in and could select in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft is Memphis tackle Travis Burke. He is a 6-9, 325-pound offensive tackle known for his size, strength, and physical demeanor. The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, has Burke ranked as his 9th-best offensive tackle and his 79th overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Burke started his college career at Gardner Webb before transferring to Florida International for two seasons, and then transferring to Memphis, where he played this past year. During his college career, he appeared in 47 games, which included 46 starts, where he played both right and left tackle. This past year, he played and started in 11 games at right tackle for Memphis.

The Broncos are currently set at tackle with Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey as the starters. However, Bolles will be 34 years old while McGlinchey is 31 years old, so it might be time for the Broncos to start planning for the future. Burke could serve as the swing tackle for this year and maybe next (depending on McGlinchey’s contract) and then take over at left or right tackle in the future. He would also give the Broncos a mauler for those heavy packages where they love to use an extra tackle as a blocker.

Player Profile

Travis Burke | Offensive Tackle | Memphis

• Height: 6-9
• Weight: 325 pounds
• Arm Length: 35 1/8th inches
• Hand Size: 10 1/8 inches
• 40-time: 5.17 seconds
• 10-Yard Split: 1.79 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 27 inches
• Broad Jump: 8-11 inches
• Bench Press: 24 reps (Pro Day)

Film Room

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Massive size and length – 6-9, 325 pounds, 35-inch arms, and 83-inch wingspan
• Strong and physical at the point of attack
• Known for being mean and an asshole on the field – finishes players to the ground and plays through the whistle
• A mauler in the run game – he uses his size, length, and strength to push defenders out of the way
• Despite his size, he moves well to get to the second level and clear a path for the ball carrier
• Anchors well and rarely gets moved backwards
• Improved as a pass blocker this past year
• Has experience at left and right tackle
• Mean and violent demeanor on the field

Weaknesses

• Movement limitations – He moves better than expected, but he’s still a 6-9, 325+ pound lineman, and there are some limitations and awkwardness
• Due to his size, he plays with a high-pad level and can struggle with leverage and bend off the edge
• Can be slow out of his stance
• Will need to continue to develop as a pass blocker

What other analysts are saying about Memphis OT Travis Burke

The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, on Memphis OT Travis Burke

Equally effective as a run blocker or pass protector, Burke is quick out of his stance on zone concepts to execute frontside and backside. He uses his length on kickouts and has functional athleticism, although his consistency declines as space expands. Despite playing with taller pads and average contact balance, he blocks with intense force in the run game to widen lanes. Burke is a towering tackle prospect with predictable leverage issues, but he also has solid movement ability and a nasty disposition that will endear him to pro coaches. He has tools worth drafting in the mid-rounds, to be a swing tackle and potential starter.

NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein on Memphis OT Travis Burke

Burke is a tall tackle with plus drive-blocking talent for his body type. He uses flexible hips and ankles, along with well-placed hands, to create leverage at the point of attack. He finishes blocks with good aggression when the opportunity arises. A lack of short-area quickness limits his range as a run blocker and in pass protection. He’s scheme-dependent in the run game and will need help managing NFL edge speed, but strong hands allow for longer sustained control when he lands cleanly. There are areas of concern that might not be coachable, but Burke’s length and demeanor work in his favor.

Travis Burke’s RAS

Should the Broncos draft Memphis OT Travis Burke in the 2nd round of the 2026 NFL Draft?

If they want to add to their offensive line room, then he is in play.

Burke can be viewed as a developmental offensive tackle prospect who serves as their swing tackle in the short-term. He has the skill set to become a starter down the road, but with Bolles and McGlinchey set for at least this year, he has time to develop and serve as depth.

He has the size, length, strength, and demeanor you look for in an offensive tackle and could be used as an extra blocker in run packages. He is a mauler in the run game and could be beneficial for the Broncos in short-yardage/goal-line situations.

With Bolles and McGlinchey getting older and their contracts becoming more of a question moving forward, it would make sense for the Broncos to begin to address their offensive tackle position. The last offensive tackle they drafted was Bolles when the Broncos selected him with their 20th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, so they are due to draft a tackle.