Chargers Select Memphis OT Travis Burke

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Memphis OT Travis Burke with the 117th pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, as the Bolts continue to bolster the offensive line. Burke met with the team during the pre-draft process, and he clearly made an impression.

While the star tackle tandem of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater appears to be back healthy after both missed significant time in 2025, adding depth at tackle was a priority for Los Angeles—and Burke provides exactly what they need.

The 23-year-old Hollywood, Florida native spent the first two seasons of his college career at Gardner-Webb, where he redshirted his freshman season in 2021. In his first year as a starter, Burke allowed four sacks and 31 total pressures across 511 pass-blocking snaps, while committing 11 penalties over 900 total snaps.

He transferred to Florida International in 2023, allowing five sacks and 14 pressures on 300 pass-blocking snaps, with five penalties on 514 total snaps. He followed that up with four sacks and 20 pressures on 415 pass-blocking snaps, committing eight penalties across 763 snaps.

Burke then transferred to Memphis, where he earned First-team All-American Athletic Conference after allowing three sacks and 13 pressures on 429 pass-blocking snaps this past season, adding six penalties over 765 total snaps. In 2025, he earned an 84.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 11th among 632 qualifying offensive tackles. His 81.5 pass-blocking grade ranked 34th, while his 84.2 run-blocking grade ranked ninth at the position.

At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Burke measured in at six-foot-nine, 325 pounds, with 34 1/4-inch arms and 10 1/8-inch hands. He posted a 5.17-second 40-yard dash with a 1.79-second 10-yard split, along with a 27-inch vertical and an eight-foot-11 broad jump.

According to Next Gen Stats, Burke earned a total score of 68, ranking 21st among offensive tackles. His production score of 66 ranked 13th, while his estimated athleticism score of 72 placed 17th at the position.

Burke provides an intriguing blend of size, length and physicality, particularly as a run blocker. He plays with strong hands and a finishing mentality, often sustaining blocks once he establishes leverage. For a taller tackle, he shows solid bend and the ability to anchor against power, though his overall movement skills are somewhat limited. That lack of short-area quickness can hinder him in space and in pass protection, where edge speed can give him trouble and his recovery ability is inconsistent.

Given the injuries Los Angeles has dealt with over the past few seasons, adding depth at the position makes this a safe pick for the Chargers.