Once a strong spot for the Indianapolis Colts, the offensive line is now a bit of a question. Indy lost two of its starting better offensive linemen in the free agency to the Minnesota Vikings.
Now, the Colts’ O-line will have a fresh look for the 2025-26 season to protect the quarterback. ESPN named second-year Tanor Bortolini as an x-factor for Indianapolis.
A former guard, Bortolini has seen some snaps at the center position at the collegiate and professional levels. His transition to center will present a challenge for him and the team.
“The quarterback position has dominated headlines in Indianapolis, but there’s another, critical storyline to track: the offensive line. Ryan Kelly is not starting as the Colts’ center for the first time since he was drafted in 2016. In his place is Bortolini, a 2024 fourth-round selection who played more than 300 snaps at center in relief of the injured Kelly a year ago,” Ben Solak wrote for ESPN.
“We already saw a major protection miscue in the Colts’ preseason with Anthony Richardson Sr. under center. When a young center takes the helm with a quarterback new to the system, as Week 1 starter Daniel Jones is, it’s easy for assignments to get missed in pass protection — and the running game can suffer the same errors.”
Bortolini played in 12 games last season for the Colts, starting in 5. With the season relying on the quarterbacks and high expectations taking over a four-time Pro Bowler’s spot, Bortolini is under pressure to keep the pocket clear.
Losing Out On The Center Spot
GettyIndianapolis Colts offensive lineman Danny Pinter (left)
While Tanor Bortolini looks like the starting center for the Colts this upcoming season, there is a backup behind him who could take his spot.
Five-year veteran Danny Pinter is in a similar situation as Bortolini, making a switch from guard to center.
“I thought (Pinter) did a nice job for us and played at a high level,” Colts offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr said, via the Colts. “And to me, competition, we’ve talked about a lot around here, makes everybody better.”
There has been a small training camp battle to become the starting center, but Bortolini seems to have cemented himself as the starter for the 2025-26 season.
“I liked what I saw on Bortolini’s film, and his movement skills will shine on screens and perimeter runs,” Solak wrote. “How high is his ceiling as an anchor in pass protection and pre-snap processor? It remains to be seen.”
Tanor Bortolini On Getting Better
GettyColts offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini
Switching positions will be difficult for every player, regardless of the similarities they might have.
Bortolini was asked by a reporter how he has improved from his first rookie training camp to his second year, citing the position change.
“I think just continuing to better myself in pass [protection], especially the jump from college to the NFL,” the lineman said. “You face a lot better rushers at this level that really exploit any flaws in your techniques. So, just kind of refining that…”
With the second in less than 14 days, Colts fans will get their first look at Tanor Bortolini as the team’s next starting center.
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