Pro Football Focus released their list of AFC rookies with the most to gain during NFL training camp this summer. For the Indianapolis Colts, it's fourth round pick and former Badger Tanor Bortolini.
Bortolini wasn't a high pick and isn't expected to start at center this season. The current starter Ryan Kelly, however, is slated to be a free agent next season, and it looks like it's Bortolini's job to lose as long he makes the most of his opportunity. Here's what PFF had to say.
Center Ryan Kelly’s four-year, $49.65 million deal is set to expire after the 2024 season, and Bortolini is waiting in the wings. If all goes according to plan, the Colts will likely let their Pro Bowl center walk and insert Bortolini into the starting lineup for 2025.
But before that can play out, Bortolini has to prove he belongs. Less-than-ideal run blocking dropped his PFF grade in his final three seasons at Wisconsin, but he was a consistently stout pass-blocker. The fourth-round pick never allowed more than one sack in a season. His lack of length, with arms that rank in the 30th percentile, was the primary pre-draft concern among scouts.
Fourth round picks aren't guaranteed anything. So if Bortolini shows enough this year that Colts feel comfortable moving on from Kelly, he'll have a great path towards a spot in the starting lineup. On the other, if Bortolini struggles in camp and preseason, the Colts may second guess letting Kelly hit the open market, making the former Badger's future much more nebulous.
It looks like he's making the most of his chances so far.
The #Colts are rotating Tanor Bortolini and Danny Pinter as the backup center today.
— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) July 27, 2024
Looks like the rookie is going to get a legit chance to earn that job.