On the Indianapolis Colts’ roster, who would you consider to be the team’s best-kept secret?
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report recently answered that question for each NFL team. When it came to the Colts, he selected center Tanor Bortolini.
“After one full season as a starter, the Indianapolis Colts’ Tanor Bortolini has established himself as one of the game’s best centers already,” Sobleski wrote.
In his second NFL season, Bortolini took over as the Colts’ starting center. Over 566 pass-blocking snaps, he did not allow a single sack.
Among all centers, he ranked 16th in pass-blocking efficiency and third in PFF’s run-blocking grade.
Not to be overlooked either, when discussing the center position is all the work that comes pre-snap with setting protections and communicating adjustments based on what the defense is showing, which Bortolini also handled quite well.
Bortolini’s ability to operate in space was an important element within Shane Steichen’s offense.
“Some of the things that we’ve done in the run game with him – getting him out, pulling him, getting up to the second level defenders, has been a big part of our offense,” Steichen said last season, via the Indy Star. “(Bortolini) out in space has been tremendous. He can move really well for an offensive lineman, and he understands leverage of the defense and where he needs to get.”
As good as Bortolini was, the experience gained in 2025 could provide a jumping-off point heading into his third NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Analyst identifies Colts ‘best-kept secret’ heading into 2026 NFL season
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
