Tanor Bortolini operates with a 'Starters Mentality' at all times

Bortolini is one of the most intriguing interior linemen in this year's class. Since his big week in Indianapolis, his draft stock has skyrocketed.

Many believe he has one of/if not the highest ceiling of any interior lineman in this year's class, and I can honestly say he is equally as impressive as a human being as he is as a player. 

I had the pleasure of speaking one-on-one with Bortolini.

We discussed his positional versatility, his preferred position, a surreal experience during his draft process, and more. 

His Versatility on the O-Line

Q: During your time at Wisconsin, you lined up all over the line. It says here you took snaps at center, right guard, left guard, and right tackle. As well as even one game at TE, can you speak about your versatility on the line and why this was something important for you to do during your college career? 

Bortolini: "Going to the next level, you really never know what position you're going to end up at. And having more opportunities and more experience at a variety of spots is definitely something that gives you a lot more chances to get on the field. They might have a great right guard, but they need a left guard, and I've done both. So I feel really capable or confident in my ability to swing around the line and play those different positions, and it was really great to get that experience and gain a better understanding of the offense overall because when you play tight end, you know your tackles need from your tight ends you play right guard right tackle you know exactly what the other guys around you in the position is next to you need. So I think it allows you to play every position better. Because you know what the guys around you need to be successful and be at their best."

Q: I mentioned earlier you lining up at TE for a game, and I haven't been able to get the idea of you celebrating a touchdown out of my head since. Do you have a celebration in your back pocket just in case your number gets called on to score? 

Bortolini: "I never got to catch one at Wisconsin, but I would not be at all opposed to that. Nothing, nothing over the top. I think we had a couple of drawn-ups when we had a guy on our offensive line catch a touchdown this year against Illinois, and we had a couple in the back pocket. We even practiced one at practice, but our coaches weren't as in to as we were believe it or not. It never really went further than that, though. It was fun to think about though, and it's always cool to see a big guy score."

The difference between playing center and guard

Q: At the pro level, it seems like you are mostly getting looked at as a center, with guard being a close second. Can you speak on both positions and what makes each different, and your thoughts on your fit at both spots?

Bortolini: "At center, I think the really key part is that you have the load of the offensive line on your shoulders, you know, your job is to put everyone in the best position to be successful. And you have to make the calls accordingly. Make the IDs accordingly. And I love being that guy. That's the one thing I will say from a guard spot is that it was never my favorite. I had a great senator, Joe Titman, who got to play next to him for a while. But if you don't like the center's call, there's nothing you can do about that as a guard. And I love being the guy in charge I love you know, ride or die by my call my decision. And at guard, I love pulling and getting out into space. And I think when you are at guard, you have the chance to be a real difference-maker in a lot of those run plays. But they both have their pros. I mean, I love playing both; I think the interior is a great spot to be and something I believe I'll be able to play at a high level going forward."

Always having a Starter's Mentality

Q: It seems like your projected draft range has been all over the place. I see you talked about as high as the third round all the way to the fifth. Those two areas can have significantly different day-one expectations. So, could you share where your current mindset is as you approach the NFL, knowing you could enter a day-one starter or possibly sitting behind a vet for a year or two?

Bortolini: "For me, I have the mentality that regardless of where you get picked, you have to come in and compete for a job. Because if you don't have that mindset, you're not putting yourself or the team in the best position to succeed. I've been focusing and preparing for what's next these past few months and the next few weeks with the mindset that I will be the guy for that team wherever I go. It might not be right away, but it might be the following year, but at some point, they're gonna want me to step in because that's why they picked me. They picked me, because they believe that I can be that guy at some point and I will prove them right. There are so many things that can happen in the game of football. But that's why it's a great sport. So being ready for your moment whenever it comes and your number is called. For me, it's just really focusing on acting as if I'm the starter even if I'm not and asking myself what I would do if I was the starter while watching from the sideline and continuing to get better during that period of time."

Incredible Scouting Combine Performance

Q: You don't typically see offensive linemen crack the "Biggest Winners of the Scouting Combine lists," but your name showed up on nearly every single one this year. Can you speak on your strong testing numbers and your game and why your attitude as a prospect is so important? 

Bortolini: "I think the biggest part is that it's making the most of every opportunity, and you never know who's gonna be watching, you never know what they're gonna think about it. There are 32 teams, so that's 32 different opinions about you. So maybe if you can sway one your direction, just based off a couple of drills that you do, that could make all the difference in the world, and it's worth all your time to go do it. So, for me, it just really focuses on the fact that I know I'm athletic; I feel like I have the tools to play at a high level; I'm just showing scouts that I can move as well as/or better than some of the best. I can transition and move my feet. I already feel like a player who can play at a high level, but If you pick me, I can develop into a really, really good player for you. And I think that's what I went out there and did, I hit all the numbers I wanted to hit. You do it in training, you never know if it's going to happen on the actual game day or in this case the Combine because you only get one or two shots at everything. But really happy with how it went. And I think I showed exactly what I needed to show."

Who he models his game after

Q: Are there any offensive linemen that you watch and attempt to model your game after? 

Bortolini: "I've watched Erik McCoy, the New Orleans Saints center, a lot; I love what he's able to do in the zone game. His ability to get on edges and get reach blocks is something that I think I share similarities with.  I think when you watch a lot of offensive line play, there is no one person who is going to do everything the way you do. There's different players for different play styles. But I think that's a guy that, especially in the run game that I see a lot of my game in."

His surreal visit with his hometown team

Q: You stayed home for college by choosing Wisconsin, and while you've taken multiple team visits this draft cycle, you had the opportunity to visit your hometown team, the Green Bay Packers. Can you talk about the feeling of visiting with the Packers a team you've rooted for your entire life?

Bortolini: "I grew up 30 minutes east of Green Bay, and I watched the Packers and all their great players when I was growing up. And for it to come full circle, and now they're scouting me, and now I could actually be the player for them after watching them on TV since I was a little kid. I remember getting to walk out of the tunnel during my visit and walk onto Lambeau Field, and I just remembered being in the stands watching some of my favorite players walk through these tunnels. I remember watching them win the Super Bowl and thinking that's the coolest thing ever. And now I can have a chance to go play for a team and help them compete for a Super Bowl. I think it's a surreal full-circle moment getting to tour the facilities and being a guy that they might bring in. 

Who an NFL team is getting if they draft Tanor Bortolini

Q: If you could share a brief message with all 32 teams and their fan bases explaining the person and player they are getting if they choose to draft you, what would it be? 

Bortolini: "They are getting a hard-working, blue-collar guy. I think the best part about growing up in Wisconsin is that I came in and had to grind every single day to get to the point I'm at today. And I'm not going to stop grinding once I get drafted. I expect that to only continue, and I expect myself to keep improving and become the absolute best player I can be to repay whatever organization picks me. No matter what pick, no matter what round. All I need is an opportunity, and I know I'm going to make the most of it."