Paul Bretl
June 24, 2024 4:08 pm ET
With Bernhard Raimann still playing out his rookie deal for the next two seasons, the Indianapolis Colts are getting tremendous bang for their buck at one of the most important positions in football.
After a strong rookie season in 2022, Raimann was able to build upon that performance in 2023. He would finish last season allowing four sacks and 34 pressures. Of the 50 eligible tackles, Raimann was 20th in pass-blocking efficiency and 12th in PFF’s run-blocking grade.
“He’s taken the next step in his pass protection stuff and the run game, both run and pass,” said Shane Steichen during OTAs. “And Tony (Sparano), our O-line coach, has done an excellent job with him.
“But I think with any young player, the more you play the more you learn, and just getting those reps over and over again. But he’s really settled into his own, and it’s really good to see.”
Contributing to Raimann’s growth has been, as Steichen mentioned, the experience he’s gained over the last two seasons, allowing him to become much more comfortable with what he’s being asked to do and what opponents are throwing at him.
Raimann also mentioned the importance that continuity along the offensive line has played in his development, specifically lining up next to Quenton Nelson with the down-to-down consistency and pre-snap communication he provides.
From Ryan Kelly’s perspective, Raimann’s work ethic has helped him get to this point.
“One of the hardest working guys I’ve been around,” said Kelly during minicamp. “I think truly that left tackle position I think, above and beyond everybody else, can be a little detailed, micro-oriented.
“I think for him, what he’s really trusting is his athletic ability, which is a big thing for him. He hasn’t played football since he was a little kid, so it’s been a short time compared to most.”
With Raimann still on his rookie deal, he is not among the top-32 highest-paid left tackles this season. He is ranked 48th, earning $1.325 million per season.
All contract info and rankings courtesy of Over the Cap
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32. Blake Brandel, Minnesota: $3.166M per year
Aug 19, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (12) looks to throw the ball as guard Olisaemeka Udoh (74) and offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) block against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
31. Tyler Guyton, Dallas: $3.288M per year
Oct 28, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
30. Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota: $3.336M per year
Dec 20, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) celebrate after the touchdown in the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
29. Trevor Penning, New Orleans: $3.535M per year
Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Tony Jones Jr. (34) follows a block by offensive tackle Trevor Penning (70) against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
28. Yosh Nijman, Carolina: $4.0M per year
Nov 27, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
27. Broderick Jones, Pittsburgh: $4.156M per year
Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy (right) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
26. Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers: $4.157M per year
Nov 7, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Rashawn Slater (70) and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett (96) battle at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
25. Taliese Fuaga, New Orleans: $4.337M per year
Oct 8, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) blocks Stanford Cardinal linebacker Levani Damuni (3) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamash*ta-USA TODAY Sports
24. George Fant, Seattle: $4.550M per year
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
23. Alaric Jackson, Los Angeles Rams: $4.890M per year
Aug 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver J.J. Koski (17) and Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Alaric Jackson (68) look on against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: C. Morgan Engel-USA TODAY Sports
22. Jedrick Wills, Cleveland: $4.925M per year
Jan 3, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills (71) pass blocks at he line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Taco Charlton (98) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
21. Olu Fashanu, New York Jets: $5.127M per year
Sep 17, 2022; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) celebrates with offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) after scoring a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
20. Patrick Mekari, Baltimore: $5.150M per year
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) applies pressure while Baltimore Ravens guard Patrick Mekari (65) blocks in the first quarter of a Week 2 NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
19. Charles Cross, Seattle: $5.345M per year
Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young (92) tries to rush past Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Charles Cross (67) in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
18. Tyron Smith, New York Jets: $6.50M per year
Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) runs off the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
17. JC Latham, Tennessee: $6.511M per year
Sep 4, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) blocks against the Miami Hurricanes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
16. Joseph Noteboom, Los Angeles Rams: $6.892M per year
Jun 11, 2019; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams tackle Joseph Noteboom (70) during minicamp at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
15. Ikem Ekwonu, Carolina: $6.892M per year
Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (79) blocks as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (94) rushes in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
14. Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore: $7.50M per year
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Ronnie Stanley #79 of the Baltimore Ravens lines up against the Houston Texans defense at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
13. Terron Armstead, Miami: $12.876M per year
Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Robert Jones (65) and offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
12. Taylor Decker, Detroit: $14.912M per year
Dec 22, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
11. Jonah Williams, Arizona: $15.0M per year
Dec 31, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Trayveon Williams (32) and offensive tackle Jonah Williams (73) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
10. Orlando Brown, Cincinnati: $16.023M per year
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (75) performs an under the bar drill at the Bengals NFL practice in Cincinnati on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
9. Garrett Bolles, Denver: $17.0M per year
DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 29: Garett Bolles #72 of the Denver Broncos reacts after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 24-9 at Empower Field At Mile High on October 29, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
8. Cam Robinson, Jacksonville: $17.583M per year
Dec 15, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Cam Robinson (74) in game action against the Oakland Raiders during the Raiders final game at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum before relocating to Las Vegas for the 2020 season. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
7. Kolton Miller, Las Vegas: $18.005M per year
Dec 20, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller (74) at the line of scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
6. Jake Matthews, Atlanta: $18.50M per year
December 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Jordan Willis (94) and Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
5. Dion Dawkins, Buffalo: $20.020M per year
Oct 26, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) follows a block by offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (73) in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
4. Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia: $22.0M per year
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (68) in a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
3. Trent Williams, San Francisco: $23.010M per year
Nov 29, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2. Andrew Thomas, New York Giants: $23.50M per year
Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) against Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat (94) during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
1. Laremy Tunsil, Houston: $25.0M per year
Nov 20, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (78) on the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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