Latest news with #TanorBortolini
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Is Indianapolis Colts under-the-radar training camp battle taking shape?
Is this under-the-radar training camp competition starting to take shape for the Indianapolis Colts? An under-the-radar training camp competition for the Indianapolis Colts is at center. While the presumed starter all offseason has been Tanor Bortolini, he is competing for that role with veteran Danny Pinter. Through roughly two weeks of training camp practices, the two have been rotating days with the first team offense. However, as Nate Atkins of the Indy Star noted in his camp takeaways article following the Colts' joint practice with the Ravens, Bortolini was with the ones for the second consecutive day. Now, maybe there's nothing to this. Lineups ebb and flow over the course of training camp. Or on the other end of that, perhaps Bortolini is seizing control of the starting job. As a rookie, Bortolini held his own last season, which included making eight appearances and five starts. According to PFF's metrics, Bortolini ranked 15th in pass-blocking efficiency metric and was 22nd out of 40 centers in run-blocking grade. "I saw a young player that got better each time he went out there," offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. said earlier this offseason. "The game wasn't too big for him. Athletically, he has a ton to offer in terms of what he's able to do on the move, in terms of how he's able to mirror people in pass protection." Pinter is entering his sixth NFL season. In 2024, he allowed no sacks and three pressures, and he was particularly good as a run-blocker by PFF's metrics. At the center position, a lot is required pre-snap, with that player in charge of calling out protections and making adjustments. Within Shane Steichen's offense, a lot falls on the center's plate in the run game as well, with what is asked of that player from a blocking perspective.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Wisconsin Badger set to claim starting job with Indianapolis Colts
Former Wisconsin center Tanor Bortolini is listed as the Indianapolis Colts' starting center on their first unofficial preseason depth chart. Bortolini is set for the promotion after playing a depth role as a rookie last season. He appeared in 12 total contests, starting five. He is now slotted to anchor a Colts' offensive line along with left tackle Bernhard Raimann, left guard Quenton Nelson, right guard Matt Goncalves and right tackle Braden Smith. He is set to do so after Ryan Kelly, the Colts' starting center over the last nine seasons, left for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. Bortolini is one of two Wisconsin products in prominent roles on the Colts' offense -- Jonathan Taylor enters 2025 as the Colts' lead running back and top offensive playmaker. The versatile offensive lineman appeared in 35 games over four years with the Badgers from 2020-23, starting 27. Before claiming the team's full-time center role in 2023, Bortolini made starts at left guard, right guard and even tight end. Bortolini is one of three former Wisconsin centers starting in the NFL. Joe Tippmann (2019-22) is entering year three with the New York Jets, while Tyler Biadasz (2016-19) is entering year six in the NFL and his second with the Washington Commanders. Bortolini and the Colts begin their 2025 preseason schedule on Thursday against the Baltimore Ravens. They'll then kick off their 2025 regular season on Sept. 7 at home against the Miami Dolphins. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2 Indianapolis Colts players make 'best NFL team money can buy'
Tom Blair set out to build the best NFL roster while staying under the 2025 salary cap, and included were two members of the Indianapolis Colts. "I embarked on a perfect July exercise," wrote Blair, "building The Best Team Money Can Buy, assembling the most imposing 53-man roster I could under the 2025 NFL salary cap." Tanor Bortolini provided center depth--and an option at guard as well--while Zaire Franklin was a part of Blair's linebacker unit. Neither Bortolini nor Franklin was a starter on this team. As noted by Blair in the article, Bortolini comes with a cap hit of $3.66 million this season, and Franklin $4.38 million. Bortolini is still relatively inexperienced with eight NFL appearances and six starts, but he performed well when called upon during his rookie season. He would rank 15th in PFF's pass-blocking efficiency metric and was 22nd out of 40 centers in run-blocking grade. "I saw a young player that got better each time he went out there," offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. said. "The game wasn't too big for him. Athletically, he has a ton to offer in terms of what he's able to do on the move, in terms of how he's able to mirror people in pass protection." Franklin, meanwhile, made his first Pro Bowl in 2024 and was named a second-team All-Pro after leading the NFL in tackles. He also set a career high with 15 quarterback pressures, four sacks, and two interceptions. Also of note when discussing Franklin's spot on Blair's roster is that he has ample special teams experience, which is an important aspect of playing linebacker in the NFL, particularly for those who are backups. This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' Tanor Bortolini, Zaire Franklin make best team 'money can buy'
