2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tanor Bortolini

Strengths

• Hand placement and timing are excellent
• Versatility to play both center and guard in the NFL
• Exceptional balance and recovery skills when beaten in pass protection
• Plays with a wide base which allows him to anchor vs. power rushers
• Strong punch and heavy hands at the point of attack
• Rolls hips into contact to create movement in the run game
• Experience blocking in both man and zone

Weaknesses

• Inconsistent snap speed and placement throw off the timing of the offense
• Short arms, reportedly under 32 inches
• Enough athleticism for the NFL but only average
• Falls off blocks too easily and can get caught bending at the waist when fatigued

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Tanor Bortolini

Bortolini's versatility will be his most appealing trait to NFL teams. He can play any spot on the interior and has experience as a sixth offensive lineman. For a likely Day 3 pick, that gives him an excellent chance to stick on a 53-man roster as a rookie.

Bortolini is a technically sound offensive lineman with a limited upside due to his average athleticism and below-average length. But he should be able to have a good career due to his technique and awareness as both a pass and run blocker.

Beyond his athletic limitations, Bortolini can also get caught bending at the waist, allowing defenders an opening. Luckily, his ability to recover when beat showed multiple times on tape and will be a huge asset, especially early in his career as he becomes acclimated to bigger, more athletic defensive linemen.

If Bortolini wants to stick at center in the NFL, he'll also need to fix his shotgun-snapping issues. His placement is fine, but he doesn't get the necessary velocity on his snaps which can throw off the timing of routes.

The Chicago Bears need a center, and Bortolini has a good chance of being the best option in the second tier of this class behind Graham Barton, Zach Frazier, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Sedrick Van Pran. While athleticism isn't a strength, Bortolini is athletic enough to work in any scheme. But his best fit is probably in a power-run scheme. If he tests better than expected at the NFL Combine, his tape is good enough for him to see a rise up boards.

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