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NFL-bound offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini discusses which Badgers have an opportunity to step up on the Wisconsin offensive line in 2024.
Most problems the University of Wisconsin football team had on its offensive line the past four years had the same solution.
Throw Tanor Bortolini at the issue and let him fix it.
Bortolini played significant snaps at every offensive line position except for left tackle — 1,058 at center, 469 at left guard, 229 at right tackle and 179 at right guard. Versatility and dependability became his calling card at Wisconsin, and he’ll parlay those with the speed he demonstrated at the NFL scouting combine into his professional career.
The Kewaunee grad will begin his NFL journey in Indianapolis after the Colts selected him with the 17th pick in the fourth round of the NFL draft Saturday. Bortolini was the 117th overall selection and the first Wisconsin player picked this year. He may play center or guard for the Colts. Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard played receiver for the Badgers in the early 1990s under coach Barry Alvarez, and Bortolini will be blocking for former Badgers star running back Jonathan Taylor.
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Bortolini led all offensive linemen and set the combine record for centers by completing the three-cone drill in 7.16 seconds. The three-cone drill demonstrates an athlete's agility, flexibility and acceleration. He posted the fastest 20-yard shuttle (4.28) among the linemen, showing his explosiveness and get-off speed. He is one of 34 offensive linemen since 2010 to post a time faster than 4.47 seconds. He tied for the second-fastest 40-yard dash among offensive linemen at 4.94 seconds.
Photos: Samantha Madar's favorite Wisconsin football photos from the regular season
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- SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
