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Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, one analyst believes that the Indianapolis Colts have one of the better offensive line units in the league.
Jacob Camenker of USA Today recently ranked all 32 offensive line units, and coming in at No. 8 were the Colts.
This unit is headlined by left tackle Bernhard Raimann and left guard Quenton Nelson, who form a wall on the left side of the line.
Raimann tied for 14th in PFF's pass-blocking grade in 2025, while Nelson ranked 13th among guards. Running back Jonathan Taylor averaged 5.8 yards per rush running their direction as well, per PFF.
At center, Tanor Bortolini had a strong first year as a starter. Over 566 pass-blocking snaps, he did not allow a single sack. Among all centers, he ranked 16th in pass-blocking efficiency and third in PFF's run-blocking grade.
At right guard is Matt Goncalves, who experienced growing pains in his first season at that position. He would rank 32nd out of 83 eligible guards in PFF's run-blocking grade.
In pass protection, Goncalves surrendered 34 pressures -- the 12th-most among all guards -- and two sacks, ranking tied for 50th in PFF's pass blocking efficiency metric.
That said, offensive line coach Tony Sparano is very bullish about Goncalves making a jump in Year 2 as a guard.
The newcomer is Jalen Travis, who is taking over at right guard with Braden Smith in Houston. Travis was able to get some starts under his belt later in the year and was able to hold his own, allowing one sack and 12 pressures over 175 pass-blocking snaps. He also graded out well as a run-blocker by PFF's metrics.
Naturally, all eyes often land on the quarterback and skill position players, but consistent success for an offense begins up front with the offensive line providing time to throw and a strong run game to lean on.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts position group on offense ranked among best heading into 2026 season
Continue reading...
Jacob Camenker of USA Today recently ranked all 32 offensive line units, and coming in at No. 8 were the Colts.
This unit is headlined by left tackle Bernhard Raimann and left guard Quenton Nelson, who form a wall on the left side of the line.
Raimann tied for 14th in PFF's pass-blocking grade in 2025, while Nelson ranked 13th among guards. Running back Jonathan Taylor averaged 5.8 yards per rush running their direction as well, per PFF.
At center, Tanor Bortolini had a strong first year as a starter. Over 566 pass-blocking snaps, he did not allow a single sack. Among all centers, he ranked 16th in pass-blocking efficiency and third in PFF's run-blocking grade.
At right guard is Matt Goncalves, who experienced growing pains in his first season at that position. He would rank 32nd out of 83 eligible guards in PFF's run-blocking grade.
In pass protection, Goncalves surrendered 34 pressures -- the 12th-most among all guards -- and two sacks, ranking tied for 50th in PFF's pass blocking efficiency metric.
That said, offensive line coach Tony Sparano is very bullish about Goncalves making a jump in Year 2 as a guard.
The newcomer is Jalen Travis, who is taking over at right guard with Braden Smith in Houston. Travis was able to get some starts under his belt later in the year and was able to hold his own, allowing one sack and 12 pressures over 175 pass-blocking snaps. He also graded out well as a run-blocker by PFF's metrics.
Naturally, all eyes often land on the quarterback and skill position players, but consistent success for an offense begins up front with the offensive line providing time to throw and a strong run game to lean on.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts position group on offense ranked among best heading into 2026 season
Continue reading...
