The Indianapolis Colts have consistently had one of the league’s top offensive line units for quite some time. The Colts had a solid year of providing holes for Jonathan Taylor and protecting Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco, ranking eighth in rushing and tying for the seventh-fewest sacks. Although Quenton Nelson, Braden Smith, and former center Ryan Kelly typically get the most credit, their unsung hero has thrived at a critical position.
The Indianapolis Colts’ third-round pick has been an unsung hero
Ever since he was drafted in 2022, Bernhard Raimann has been a reliable left tackle and blindside protector for the Colts and has improved every year. Raimann had arguably his best year as a pro during the 2024 season, performing well in both pass protection and in the run game. He gave up 20 pressures, two QB hits, and four sacks allowed while posting an 82.0 pass-blocking (14th), an 80.7 run-blocking (10th), and an 85.1 overall PFF grade (8th among 140 OTs).
His great start to his NFL career has not gone unnoticed by all.
PFF named him the team’s most underrated player
PFF went through each of the 32 teams’ most underrated players who do not get the credit they deserve. For the Indianapolis Colts, they named Bernhard Raimann and pointed to his impressive performance in pass protection and the run game. They even argued that he’s just as good as Quenton Nelson, Braden Smith, and Ryan Kelly.
“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, 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,” Jonathon Macri said.
“Raimann led the team in PFF pass-blocking grade (82.0) in 2024, ranking 14th among offensive tackles in that regard. He was one of just six offensive tackles to rank in the top 12 at his position in both PFF pass-blocking grade and run-defense grade in 2024, leading to a top-10 PFF overall grade (85.1) at the position.”
He is also an extension candidate
Since he completed his third regular season, Bernhard Raimann is eligible to sign a contract extension this offseason. Due to Proven Performance Escalators, which reward second to seventh-round picks for playing a certain number of snaps, he is scheduled to earn a $3.656 million base salary along with a $3.914 million cap hit in 2025. Spotrac projects that Raimann’s next contract will be for three years and worth $61 million. However, if he continues to play at a high level, chances are he will make more than $20.333 million.
