The Chargers wanted to make sure they had an insurance plan should things go awry once again in 2026, which is why they selected Travis Burke in the fourth round of the NFL Draft out of Memphis. At the worst, the Chargers have a third tackle they can rely on when they need an extra lineman on the field.
“Injuries decimated the Chargers’
offensive line in 2025 to the point that drafting a tackle early became a priority for depth purposes,” ESPN contributor Matt Miller wrote.
“Burke started 30 games at left tackle and 16 at right tackle in college, making him the ideal swing tackle prospect. If he can hold down the third tackle position as a fourth-round pick, it’ll be a win for the Chargers given the history of injuries to starting left tackle Rashawn Slater.”
Burke worked his way up from Gardner-Webb University to Florida International before transferring to Memphis ahead of the 2025 season, so he has had an upward trajectory throughout his collegiate career that he hopes to carry into the pros.
While the Chargers won’t necessarily rely on him to be a starter, the 6-9 tackle will be a key piece of insurance for the team moving forward.
BFTB community, what do you think of the Chargers selecting Burke in the fourth round of the draft? Chime off in the comments section below.
