Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Wisconsin offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers need to bolster their depth on the interior of their offensive line. They need a backup center and could stand to add competition at right guard for Sean Rhyan.
A player who could check both boxes is Tanor Bortolini. The Wisconsin offensive linemen checks in at No. 66 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A three-star recruit, Bortolini finished his career as a Badger with 27 starts to his name. He started 14 games at center, seven at left guard, three at right tackle, two at right guard and one at left tackle. That type of versatility will have offensive line coaches pounding the table for the Wisconsin native when Day 3 of the draft rolls around.
“It’s pretty rare when an offensive line for a team stays intact for a full season,” Christian Borman, a contributor for Badgernotes.com, said. “Whether players are getting injured or benched, you need players who can compete for each spot. Bortolini’s ability to play multiple positions well got him on the field, playing over multiple on the roster who were highly-rated recruits coming out of high school. In his college career, he’s played almost 2,000 snaps. 469 were at left guard. 1,058 were at center, 179 were at right guard, and 229 were at right tackle. If that doesn’t say versatile, I don’t know what does.”
Bortolini is quick out of his stance and has the power to generate movement in the running game. He has adequate range as a run blocker and is comfortable on his feet. The former three-star recruit keeps his feet driving at contact and seals running lanes.
“Bortolini is sufficient as a run-blocker,” Borman said. “He’s going to be better in a zone-based running scheme. Despite his shorter arms, he’s pretty quick at the snap, getting to defenders early. His strength is also a positive for his run-blocking. He can drive defenders off the line, opening up some nice running lanes for running backs.”
The versatile offensive linemen has nimble feet and the lateral quickness to mirror pass rushers. He has a high football IQ and is fundamentally sound. He keeps his head on a swivel and quick reflexes. This past season Bortolini gave up one sack and 11 pressures.
“His footwork and awareness help him a lot in pass protection,” Borman said. “He doesn’t have the longest arms, but his ability to move and stay in front of defenders helps him a lot. He does a great job of passing off and picking up defensive linemen doing twists and stunts. Last season, he played in almost 500 pass-blocking snaps at center and gave up just one sack and two quarterback hits. He had an 80.3 grade from PFF last season in pass-blocking, putting him 20th in the country in that category.”
Fit with the Packers
Every NFL team is looking for offensive linemen that can play multiple positions. Injuries happen and having a player like Bortolini, who offers five-position versatility is something every team could use.
“First and foremost, you are getting an offensive lineman from O-Line U,” Borman said. “Wisconsin linemen, generally, go on to have successful NFL careers. I think his versatility is a huge bonus. He will be able to play center or guard in the NFL, and in today’s game, you want linemen who can play multiple positions. His experience at four of the five line positions should be appealing to teams that are looking for quality line depth, and potentially a solid starter. His versatility will only make him that much more valuable.”
The Packers have had a ton of success finding quality offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft. Bortolini could come in on day one and battle for starting reps at right guard, while potentially being the replacement for Josh Myers at center. The Packers need quality depth behind and Bortolini would provide depth along the interior while being able to kick outside to tackle in a pinch.
