Wisconsin interior offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini has showcased versatility throughout the pre-draft process. Bortolini played four of five offensive line positions for the Badgers. Primarily a center, Bortolini thrived while playing left and right guard at this year's Senior Bowl, too.
Bortolini was then the most athletic offensive lineman at the NFL Combine. Bortolini ran an IOL-best 4.94 40 with an elite 1.69 10-yard split. Bortolini later ran the best 3-cone (7.16) and short shuttle (4.28) among all participating offensive linemen. Rare athletic traits were on display.
Bortolini recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his experiences in Mobile, which position(s) he'll play at the next level, run blocking and pass protection, playing in a zone-based offense, and more.
JM: You had a terrific opportunity to compete at this year’s Senior Bowl. What was the experience like?
Tanor Bortolini: It was a great week. There were so many terrific players and prospects in attendance. It was an opportunity for me to compete against some of the best of the best in the nation. It was really cool and unlike anything I’d ever done. I really enjoyed my time there.
JM: Those practice reps are a lot of fun. The compete level gets turned up a notch. Who were some of your favorite defensive linemen to practice against?
Tanor Bortolini: I thought Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. was great. Of course, I was familiar with him through Big Ten play. He’s a talented player that’s always stood out to me. Getting to see him again at the Senior Bowl, it’s really cool to see guys from your conference in that same environment shining against guys we don’t typically play against.
JM: There’s no doubt about that. It’s a long, productive week. What do you think you proved to NFL GMs and scouts in attendance?
Tanor Bortolini: I think I showcased my versatility. I played left guard, right guard, and center in Mobile. I think teams saw that and said Tanor Bortolini can play all three interior positions for us. I can move around as needed whenever the team has a spot that needs to be filled. I really wanted to showcase that I’m capable of doing that throughout the week. I felt great about that.
JM: You sure did. I feel like you’ve had a lot of success running that West Coast Offense. A lot of NFL offenses run that wide-zone-based offense nowadays. Do you feel like that’s your best fit at the next level?
Tanor Bortolini: I feel like I can run any offense. I’ve played in a variety of different schemes throughout these past few seasons. I’ve had the opportunity to learn the tips and tricks, the ins and outs of every system. That’s what allowed me to be successful. No matter what the scheme is, I can thrive and fit in.
JM: You brought up versatility. You’ve played four of five offensive line positions. That’s versatility and leadership. I know your NFL team will make this decision, but what’s your guess on which position you’ll ultimately stick at? Maybe you’ve already heard feedback.
Tanor Bortolini: I think it’ll be somewhere along the interior. I can’t really say where. There’s so much variety that goes into that. It depends on where the team needs me to play. The interior is probably the best fit for me though. I’m excited to continue proving that to a team.
JM: You’ve played a lot of center. That’s probably the one you’re most familiar with. What’s your favorite aspect of playing center?
Tanor Bortolini: I really love being in charge. That’s the best part about playing center in my opinion. You get to make all the calls at the line of scrimmage. I have to put the offense in the best possible position. Being able to study football and learn the game these past few seasons at Wisconsin, I really enjoy the mental aspect that comes with it. It’s something I’ve progressively gotten better at. I really enjoy playing the center position.
JM: We love that. You would have met with every team in attendance at the Senior Bowl. Was there a handful of teams you had a particularly great vibe with?
Tanor Bortolini: I had a great connection with a lot of the teams I spoke with. I think the positive takeaway was to meet and build relationships with every single team there. That’s the best part of that process.
Certain teams may not feel like they need you right now, maybe they need a different position, but those meetings give you a chance to introduce yourself to them and make sure they’re familiar with you. I allowed those teams to get to know me. It was a very cool opportunity. It was a great experience overall. I felt great about all of them.
JM: Is Tanor Bortolini a better run blocker or pass protector at this point in time?
Tanor Bortolini: I think it’s really important to be great in both of those aspects, especially with the NFL being the passing league that is now. In college, especially at Wisconsin, we pride ourselves on running the football. I’ve really thrived as a run blocker throughout my career.
As I’ve gotten older, you learn more about the techniques and the specifics of pass protection. That part of my game has come a long way from where I began.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. In closing, what kind of guy is a team getting when they draft Tanor Bortolini?
Tanor Bortolini: They’re getting a hard-working blue-collar guy. I’m extremely committed to my craft. I love the game of football and all of the mental-related stuff that goes into it. I can’t wait to get back on the field. I’m just really excited to be a part of the franchise that drafts me. I’m going to be a team-first guy.
