The offseason is in full swing, which means that the 2023 season will be here in a matter of time, prompting many outlets to give their predictions about what will happen during the upcoming campaign.
Pro Football Focus has taken the liberty of compiling breakout candidates for AFC teams. These players showed potential last season and could have more prominent roles or should be on the radar of fans and the media.
For the Indianapolis Colts, offensive tackle Bernhard Rainmann was PFF’s selection because of his solid play as the season progressed.
Per PFF, Raimann earned a 77.1 overall grade in the second half of the season, 17th among eligible offensive tackles. Additionally, Raimann was the only player out of ten offensive tackles to grade 74.0 or better in both run and pass blocking.
Here’s what they said about the second-year tackle being a breakout candidate:
Raimann experienced some growing pains in the first weeks of his NFL career, but as the season progressed, and the Colts started to fall apart, he played better and better. In the second half of the season, he earned a 77.1 overall grade that ranked 17th among offensive tackles. He was also one of only 10 offensive tackles to earn 74.0-plus grades in both run blocking and pass protection.
Raimann showed flashes in training camp that he had potential as a starter but didn’t see the field until Week 5 when the team was forced to put him in the lineup because of poor play by Matt Pryor along with various injuries. Raimann struggled early in that game but showed some poise against a vaunted Broncos pass rush.
His poise earned him additional playing time as the season went on and eventually, Raimann was the permanent starter at left tackle, where he amassed 11 starts.
During his rookie season, he played against Matt Judon, Chandler Jones, Micah Parsons, and more top talent. As mentioned, Raimann held his own, but as he heads into his sophomore season, any advantage helps.
Raimann has recently added 15 pounds to his physique, believing that will only enhance his offseason work and preparation. There is always a chance the team could add additional veteran presence, but Raimann is sitting comfortably in the driver’s seat for now as the team’s left tackle.
