Drafted by Indianapolis Colts
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 303
Arm Length: 31 1/2
40-Yard Dash: 4.94 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.69 seconds
3-Cone: 7.16 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.28 seconds
Vertical: 32.5″
Broad Jump: 9′ 4″
Bench Press: N/A
Pros
- Sticky grip once he gets hands-on.
- Fluid mover in the open field.
- Maintains good leverage going into and throughout his block.
- Keeps a solid base throughout each rep.
- Passes off assignments well in pass protection.
- Uses defenders’ momentum against them well.
Cons
- Plays based on his athleticism and reaction time – could be problematic against defenders with a good step.
- Shorter arms sometimes make it difficult for him to get a good grip/positioning.
- Won’t overwhelm you with strength/power.
Notes
- Has made 28 career starts including 14 at center, 7 at LG, 3 at RT, 2 at RG, and 2 at TE.
- Named Third-team All-Big Ten in 2023 by the media.
- Was an Academic All-Big Ten in 2021 and 2022.
Overview
Over the years Wisconsin has been known for producing good RBs and offensive linemen. This year, center Tanor Bortolini is continuing that legacy as he’s one of the best centers in this year’s class. He might not have garnered the conference recognition other top prospects do but, don’t be confused, Bortolini has what it takes to be effective in the NFL.
A fluid mover in the open field, Bortolini’s experience across multiple positions is an indicator of his versatility and athleticism. Out of his stance and going into contact, Bortolini plays with a sturdy base and maintains good leverage throughout each rep. Not the biggest individual weight-wise, Bortolini understands how to use a defender’s leverage against them to get them out of position to win his assignments. When he does get hands-on, Bortolini is relentless with his grip as he’s incredibly difficult to dislodge. Besides this, Bortolini sees the field well as he does a very good job passing off and taking on defenders in pass protection.
However, Bortolini’s lack of size could be a bit of an issue when he first enters the league. With shorter arms, it could be difficult for Bortolini to get good positioning with his grip, or even get a grip at all, when up against strong and experienced tackles. More so, barely over 300 pounds, Bortolini won’t overwhelm you with his play strength. For someone who plays relying on his athleticism and reaction time, this could be problematic against defenders with a good first step.
Still, Bortolini is one of the top centers this year. He may not have the size of an elite prospect, but he’s very sound technically. Once he signs his NFL contract and gets hooked up with a team’s nutritionist and strength and conditioning coach, he shouldn’t find much trouble adding a few pounds of muscle.
My Two Cents
To me, Tanor Bortolini is an excellent pick if you miss out on Zach Frazier or Jackson Powers-Johnson. There might be some growing pains as he looks to add muscle and power, but he’d be a good selection later on Day 2. Long story short, Bortolini could be the next great offensive lineman produced by the Wisconsin Badgers.
Drafted Round 4, Pick 117 to the Indianapolis Colts
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