The Colts are the NFL’s offensive lineman factory. Their ability to churn out NFL starters at every position across the offensive line is unparalleled. Lost a key starter? Not a problem, it steps the next man up to play sound football.
The player to fill that role for the Colts in 2025 was Tanor Bortolini (82.6 grade; 3rd), the team’s fourth-round pick in 2024. Bortolini spot-started in place of the oft-injured Ryan Kelly in 2024, generating a 65.1 overall PFF grade while playing steady football. Bortolini didn’t look like a star, but showed he could be serviceable, and a potential option if Kelly moved on.
With Kelly leaving in free agency, the Colts showed faith in Bortolini, and their confidence has been justly rewarded. Bortolini had a breakout season and anchored one of the best offensive lines in football in 2025. The Colts finished the year with the second-best PFF pass-blocking grade and fourth-best PFF run-blocking grade in football. Bortolini allowed just 17 pressures and zero sacks, and ended the campaign as one of the NFL’s rising stars in the trenches.