Bernhard Raimann Ranks 10th Among Offensive Tackles for Indianapolis Colts

In the NFL, the offensive tackle position is often called the “blind side protector” for quarterbacks, and a top-performing tackle can single-handedly elevate an entire offense’s efficiency. This season, Pro Football Focus (PFF)—the gold standard for position-specific analytics—released its midseason rankings for offensive tackles, and there’s good news for a key AFC franchise: Bernhard Raimann Ranks 10th Among Offensive Tackles for Indianapolis Colts. The 10th-place spot puts Raimann in the upper echelon of NFL tackles, a significant achievement for a player in just his third professional season. For the Colts, who have built their offense around a strong running game and protecting quarterback Gardner Minshew, Raimann’s ranking is both a validation of their scouting and a testament to the tackle’s rapid development. Fans and analysts have celebrated the news, noting that Raimann has gone from a promising rookie to a reliable starter in record time. As the Colts push for a playoff spot, Raimann’s consistent play at left tackle will be crucial, and his top-10 ranking is a sign that he’s ready to shoulder that responsibility.

Bernhard Raimann Ranks 10th Among Offensive Tackles for Indianapolis Colts is a ranking backed by PFF’s rigorous metrics, which evaluate every snap a tackle plays—from pass-blocking efficiency and run-blocking grade to penalty rate and ability to neutralize elite pass-rushers. Through the first eight weeks of the season, Raimann has posted a PFF grade of 82.3, the 10th-highest among all offensive tackles. His pass-blocking grade is even more impressive: 84.1, which ranks 7th in the league, and he’s allowed just 2 sacks and 4 pressures all season—remarkable numbers given that he faces the opponent’s top pass-rusher nearly every week. What makes Raimann’s performance stand out is his versatility. At 6’7” and 305 pounds, he has the size to handle powerful defensive ends in the run game, but he also has the footwork to keep up with speed rushers off the edge. This season, he’s held his own against Pro Bowl-caliber pass-rushers like Myles Garrett and Khalil Mack, limiting them to a combined 1 pressure and no sacks. Raimann’s consistency is another strength—he’s graded above 78.0 in every game this season, a level of reliability that few young tackles can match. For the Colts, this kind of play at left tackle has been a game-changer, as it allows the offense to focus on exploiting mismatches elsewhere rather than worrying about protecting Minshew’s blind side.

To fully appreciate Bernhard Raimann’s 10th-place ranking, it’s important to compare it to other NFL offensive tackles and understand the context of his journey to this point. The top of PFF’s tackle rankings is dominated by veterans with years of experience—players like Trent Williams (49ers, 1st, 91.5 grade) and Lane Johnson (Eagles, 3rd, 89.2 grade)—who have spent over a decade refining their craft. Raimann, by contrast, was a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he didn’t become a full-time starter until his second season. His rise from late-round pick to top-10 tackle is one of the most impressive development stories in the league. The ranking also highlights how Raimann stacks up against his peers in the AFC South. Among divisional offensive tackles, only the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Cam Robinson (8th, 83.0 grade) ranks higher than Raimann, meaning the Colts have one of the best left tackles in their division—a critical advantage in divisional matchups. Another context clue: PFF notes that Raimann is one of only three tackles in the top 10 who play for teams with a run-heavy offense (the Colts rank 8th in rushing yards per game). This means Raimann excels not just in pass protection, but also in opening running lanes for Jonathan Taylor— a dual skill set that makes him even more valuable to the Colts’ offense. For fans, this comparison underscores just how rare and important Raimann’s performance has been this season.

Bernhard Raimann Ranks 10th Among Offensive Tackles for Indianapolis Colts has had a direct impact on the team’s offensive success, and the Indianapolis Colts coaching staff has been quick to acknowledge his role. Offensive line coach Chris Strausser, who has worked closely with Raimann since his rookie year, called the tackle “the backbone of our line” in a recent press conference. “Bernhard’s ability to protect the blind side and open up holes for Jonathan [Taylor] has made our offense more dynamic,” Strausser said. “He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better—our guards and center don’t have to compensate for weaknesses on the edge, which lets them focus on their own assignments.” The Indianapolis Colts’ offense has reaped the rewards of Raimann’s play: they rank 6th in the NFL in points per game and 8th in rushing yards per game, and Minshew has been sacked just 12 times all season—tied for the 5th-fewest among starting quarterbacks. In key moments, Raimann has been even better. In the Colts’ Week 6 win over the Tennessee Titans, he graded 87.5 in pass protection, shutting down Titans edge rusher Harold Landry and allowing Minshew to throw for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns. For the Colts, Raimann’s top-10 ranking isn’t just a title—it’s a reflection of how much he contributes to their winning formula.

Another key aspect of Bernhard Raimann Ranks 10th Among Offensive Tackles for Indianapolis Colts is the challenge of maintaining this level of play for the rest of the season and beyond. The second half of the NFL season is grueling, with teams facing playoff contenders and tired bodies starting to wear down. For Raimann, this means staying healthy and avoiding the “rookie wall” that often hits young players in their third season. The Indianapolis Colts have taken steps to protect him, rotating backup tackles in on short-yardage plays to give him occasional rest, but Raimann has embraced the workload, playing 92% of the Colts’ offensive snaps this season. Another challenge is the target on his back—now that he’s a top-10 tackle, every opponent will game-plan to test him, sending extra blitzes his way or using their best pass-rushers in one-on-one matchups. Raimann has already shown he can handle this pressure, but it will require constant focus and adjustment. Off the field, the Colts are also thinking about the future: Raimann is set to become a restricted free agent after next season, and the team will likely look to sign him to a long-term extension to keep him in Indianapolis. For Raimann, the ranking is a motivation to get even better. “I’m not satisfied with 10th,” he said in a recent interview. “I want to be in the top 5, and I’m going to work every day to get there.” This drive to improve is exactly what the Colts need from their young tackle.

Looking ahead, Bernhard Raimann Ranks 10th Among Offensive Tackles for Indianapolis Colts could be a sign of even greater things to come for both the player and the team. If Raimann continues to develop, he has the potential to become a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle and a cornerstone of the Colts’ offensive line for years. For the Indianapolis Colts, keeping Raimann long-term will be a top priority, as elite left tackles are hard to find and even harder to replace. A long-term extension would not only secure their blind side but also allow them to build their offense around a core of young, talented players—Raimann, Taylor, and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.—who can grow together. For the Colts’ playoff hopes this season, Raimann’s play will be even more critical. In the postseason, every snap matters, and having a top-10 tackle to protect Minshew and open up running lanes could be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep playoff run. Fans have already started to recognize Raimann’s impact, with chants of “RAIMANN!” breaking out at Lucas Oil Stadium during key plays. Bernhard Raimann Ranks 10th Among Offensive Tackles for Indianapolis Colts isn’t just a ranking—it’s a milestone in the career of a rising star and a promise of continued success for the Colts’ offense. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Raimann, watching to see if he can climb even higher in the rankings and lead the Colts to the playoffs.