When the Indianapolis Colts handed Tanor Bortolini the keys to the center position in his second NFL season, they were betting on potential. What they got was a breakout year from a young lineman who didn’t just meet expectations-he blew right past them.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bortolini was the most improved player at his position across the league, and the numbers back up the claim. Over 566 pass-blocking snaps in 2025, Bortolini didn’t give up a single sack.
Not one. That kind of clean sheet speaks volumes, especially for a player stepping into the starting role for the first time.
But Bortolini didn’t just hold his own-he helped elevate the entire Colts offensive line into one of the league’s best units. He finished the season ranked 16th among centers in pass-blocking efficiency, a solid mark that shows he was consistently reliable in protecting the quarterback.
Where he truly shined, though, was in the ground game. PFF graded him as the third-best run-blocking center in the NFL, a testament to both his physicality and his understanding of the Colts' scheme.
Anchoring the line from the middle, Bortolini played a key role in Indianapolis finishing with the second-best pass-blocking grade and the fourth-best run-blocking grade among all NFL teams, per PFF. That’s elite company, and it doesn’t happen without a center who can set protections, communicate effectively, and win his one-on-one battles.
Bortolini’s overall PFF grade was the third-highest at his position-a remarkable leap from his rookie campaign. For a second-year player, that kind of growth is rare, and it’s a clear sign the Colts have found a long-term answer at the pivot.
In a league where offensive line play can make or break a season, Bortolini’s emergence was a game-changer. If this trajectory continues, we could be talking about him as one of the premier centers in football before long. For now, he’s earned every bit of recognition as the most improved player at his position-and the Colts are reaping the rewards.