Former Wisconsin Football Star Projected to NFL All-Rookie Team

The Wisconsin football team has a rich tradition of putting offensive linemen into the NFL. Even when they aren’t producing first or second-round picks, the players that go to the NFL often find a way to work their way into starting lineups and making an impact.

Chad Reuter, an NFL Draft writer for NFL.com released his projections for the 2024 All-Rookie Team. It includes the players at each position he believes will be the top-performing rookies on the offensive side of the ball. He pegged former Wisconsin football offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini as an All-Rookie in his projections.

The Indianapolis Colts drafted Bortolini with the 117th pick (4th round) of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Madtown ➡️ Naptown

Welcome to Indy, @TanorBortolini! pic.twitter.com/MLK4KKEzSf

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 27, 2024

Right now, Bortolini isn’t even expected to be a sure-fire starter for the Colts. He’ll have to fight for a starting spot during training camp, but Reuter thinks his athleticism will help give him a leg up and playing time this season. Here is what Reuter says about the former Wisconsin football player.

“Bortolini was Wisconsin’s starting center in 2023 but lined up at both guard spots and right tackle the previous two seasons. He might take over for long-time starting center Ryan Kelly in the future, but don’t be surprised if he gives veteran Will Fries a battle for the right guard spot. That’s where 2023 second-round pick (and fellow former Badger) Joe Tippmann started early last season with the Jets before shuffling to the pivot. Bortolini’s plus athleticism and toughness might get him on the field much sooner than many would expect from a fourth-round pick.”

There are multiple Wisconsin offensive linemen in the league and they continue to produce players that work their way into starting lineups despite not being high draft picks. Wisconsin continues to live up to the nickname OLine U, and Bortolini is the latest example of that.

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