PFF Names Bernhard Raimann Colts’ Most Underrated Player
Pro Football Focus, football’s premier analytics outlet, recently unveiled its list of the most underrated player on each NFL team. While several well-known veterans made the cut, many selections spotlighted underappreciated contributors — including Indianapolis Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann.
Since drafting All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson in 2018, the Colts have consistently fielded one of the league’s top offensive lines, regularly earning top-five rankings from PFF. That consistent excellence, however, can make it easy to overlook individuals on a unit that quietly excels. But according to PFF, Raimann stood out as the unsung star of the Colts’ line.
“Former first- and second-round picks Quenton Nelson, Braden Smith and Ryan Kelly are typically the first names referenced when discussing the Colts’ offensive line,” PFF wrote. “But the 2022 third-round pick has earned his place in that conversation and, arguably, been the best of the bunch coming off a career year in 2024.”
The analytics back up the praise. Raimann led Indianapolis with a pass-blocking grade of 82.0 in 2024 — good for 14th among all NFL offensive tackles. He was also one of just six tackles to rank in the top 12 in both pass-blocking and run-blocking grades, earning a stellar 85.1 overall PFF grade for the season — placing him firmly in the top 10 at his position.
Raimann’s Rise Wasn’t Sudden
Raimann’s emergence wasn’t limited to a single standout season. Just a week after the 2024 regular season wrapped, PFF had already highlighted him as the Colts’ “secret superstar.”
“Raimann can easily get overshadowed by one of the game’s best in Quenton Nelson,” wrote PFF’s Bradley Locker, “but he’s developed into a rock-solid left tackle himself — giving up only 15 career sacks on 1,159 pass-blocking snaps.”
For a player once flying under the radar, Raimann is now firmly in the spotlight — and based on both film and data, he’s earned every bit of the recognition.
New Look Offensive Line
The Indianapolis Colts have long enjoyed a luxury many NFL teams can’t claim: a consistently strong offensive line. Since selecting Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith in the 2018 draft, the Colts have built their offense on the foundation of reliable, physical trench play — a rare constant in an ever-changing league.
But as is often the case in the NFL, sustainability comes at a price. This offseason, the Colts faced a difficult crossroads. With veteran center Ryan Kelly and rising guard Will Fries both due for sizable contracts, general manager Chris Ballard made the tough decision to let both walk in free agency. The Minnesota Vikings quickly capitalized, inking the duo for a combined total north of $100 million.
The move signals a strategic shift in Indianapolis, one that places a premium on financial flexibility and internal development. Many believe the decision to part ways with Fries, in particular, is tied to future plans for left tackle Bernhard Raimann, who is expected to command a major contract extension after the 2025 season.
To fill the void left by Kelly at center, the Colts may not have to look far. Rookie Tanor Bortolini, one of the youngest offensive linemen in football last season, has already turned heads.
“Despite being one of the youngest offensive linemen in football this past season, Bortolini graded out as PFF’s 18th-best center,” wrote SI’s Zach Hicks. “Bortolini has done enough already to show that he is at least ready for a shot at the starting center job… it makes sense to go cheaper at the center position to round out the offensive line.”
The Colts are betting that their strong track record in developing linemen — and a franchise cornerstone in Raimann — will be enough to usher in the next era of offensive line excellence.
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