Colts’ C Tanor Bortolini recently highlighted what it’s like to go up against DT Grover Stewart in practice.
Tanor Bortolini is competing for the Indianapolis Colts’ starting center job with veteran Danny Pinter. And part of that competition is having to go up against Grover Stewart every day.
“I think you watched that Vikings‘ clip last year,” Bortolini said, “I think I had probably one of those in the first couple of days. Obviously, Grove’s a lot of man. He’s a great player. He’s super strong, super powerful, and I think especially there is a learning curve to it all.”
Out of 153 eligible defensive tackles last season, Stewart ranked seventh in PFF’s run defense grade. He also tallied the seventh-most tackles against the run, along with ranking sixth in stops.
Bortolini is entering his second NFL season after being a fourth-round pick by the Colts in 2024. He made five starts as a rookie and appeared in eight games, holding his own when called upon.
According to PFF’s metrics, Bortolini ranked 15th in pass-blocking efficiency metric and was 22nd out of 40 centers in run-blocking grade.
Through the first few training camp practices, he and Pinter have been sharing reps with the first team offense. Whoever ends up starting will have big shoes to fill, taking over for Ryan Kelly, who is now in Minnesota.
“The standard is you have to be great every play, every snap, and Grover’s a guy that holds you to that,” Bortolini added. “It’s great going to work against him every day and really enjoy getting to know him and play against him.”