After creating a buzz by drafting a top-tier pass rusher and top-tier wide receiver, the Indianapolis Colts spent their third and fourth-round pick on two offensive linemen. In the third round, the Colts selected offensive tackle Matt Goncalves from the University of Pittsburgh. In the fourth round, they selected another offensive tackle, Tanor Bortolini from the University of Wisconsin. Both players are huge offensive linemen who have the potential to make an impact on the Colts. Goncalves is listed at 6’6″ and 330 pounds and Bortolini is listed at 6’4″ and around 300 pounds.
One of the positions that Chris Ballard prides himself on is the offensive line. Just a few years ago, the Colts were ranked as one of the best offensive line units in the league. By this, a team has the means to protect the quarterback and that should always be the number one goal. Without that, the offense suffers and subsequently, the team suffers. Colts starting center Ryan Kelly is entering his ninth season in the league and in 2023, he suffered concussions which sidelined him for three games. Starting right tackle Braden Smith is entering his seventh season in the league and had to undergo knee surgery this offseason to repair an injury that plagued him throughout 2023.
Needless to say, some of the Colts best offensive linemen are not getting any younger or healthier. Therefore, having some young guys who can potentially take over when called upon will be much needed.
A Look Into the Colts Rookie Offensive Linemen
Matt Goncalves
Matt Goncalves played both right and left tackle at the University of Pittsburgh. During the 2022 season, he started all 13 games and was selected to the third team All-ACC as well as the All-ACC Academic Team. Unfortunately, his 2023 season was cut short after three games due to injury, but his overall body of work stood out to the Colts.
According to Goncalves’s draft profile, he is considered a “good backup with the potential to develop into a starter”. According to Next Gen Stats, his overall production score was ranked 12th amongst offensive tackles. His athleticism score was ranked 21st amongst offensive tackles. Lastly, his total score ranked 16th amongst offensive tackles. The key for Goncalves is that he has the potential to be a good-quality starter in this league. The good news for the Colts is that having top offensive linemen like Braden Smith and Ryan Kelly as mentors for Goncalves will be huge in his development.
Tanor Bortolini
Tanor Bortolini started his college career as a versatile lineman. In 2022, he played both left and right guard, including one game at center and one at tight end. In 2023, though, he started all 12 games at center. Bortolini was also named an Academic All-Big Ten from 2021-2023. He was also an Honorable Mention Big Ten in 2022 and 2023.
Bortolini does not have as much high praise in his draft profile as he is considered an “average backup or special-teamer”. However, the intrigue with him on the Colts roster is his versatility as an offensive lineman. While he did start primarily at center, he also had experience at right and left guard. This is not to say that Bortolini is on his way to being a starter anytime soon, but his skill set and versatility could be vital when injuries happen to starters.
Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
