The first American Conference prospect of the 2026 NFL Draft class lands in the fourth round.
Memphis offensive tackle Travis Burke was selected 117th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers. Burke is the first Memphis Tiger selected since 2025 Mr. Irrelevant Kobee Minor went 257th overall and the earliest pick from the program since guard Dylan Parham went 90th in 2022.
Burke’s selection snaps the longest NFL Draft drought in American history, marking the first time the league did not produce a single draft pick in the first three rounds. He is the 16th tackle to hear his name called on draft weekend and the second lineman chosen by the Chargers.
Prior to Memphis, Burke’s college career consisted of two other stops. He originally excelled for Gardner-Webb at the FCS level from 2021-22 before transferring to FIU for the 2023 season. In two years at FIU, Burke accumulated 22 starts as the Panthers’ right tackle. The 6’9”, 325 pound offensive tackle concluded things at Memphis in 2025 where he manned the right side of the line of the first 11 games — before missing the last two with a season-ending injury.
Burke paved the way for a Memphis rushing attack which ranked 25th in the FBS with 5.05 yards per carry. Given his efforts, he was one of two Tigers — along with left tackle Chris Adams — to earn an invite to the 2026 NFL Combine. In Indianapolis, Burke clocked in at 5.17 seconds in the 40-yard dash, registered a 27-inch vertical, and produced an 8-foot-11-inch broad jump. In addition to his 6’9”, 325 pound frame, he recorded measurements of 10.13 inches in hand size and 34.25 inches in arm length.
Burke joins a Chargers’ offensive line subject to considerable scrutiny after struggling mightily in a 19-3 Wild Card playoff loss to the New England Patriots. Los Angeles was severely shorthanded at tackle in 2025 due to season-ending injuries to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, and as a result, it allowed the second-most sacks in the NFL at 60. Fortunately for the Chargers, both Pro Bowl o-linemen are slated to return for 2026, and Burke is expected to serve as the understudy to Alt at the right tackle position.