Tanor Bynum Secures 30th Spot in PFF Center Rankings for Indianapolis Colts

In the competitive landscape of NFL offensive lines, individual recognition from Pro Football Focus (PFF)—a leading authority on football analytics—carries significant weight, as it reflects a player’s consistency, technique, and impact across every snap. For Indianapolis Colts center Tanor Bynum, the 2024 season brought a notable milestone: Tanor Bynum Secures 30th Spot in PFF Center Rankings for Indianapolis Colts. This ranking, which evaluates centers based on metrics like pass-blocking efficiency, run-blocking grade, and penalty rate, places Bynum in the upper half of NFL centers—a impressive feat for a player in his second season as a full-time starter. For the Colts, Bynum’s placement is a testament to the team’s investment in building a reliable offensive line, as he joins fellow linemen like left tackle Bernhard Raimann in earning positive national recognition. As the Colts look to solidify their offense around quarterback Anthony Richardson, Bynum’s PFF ranking serves as both validation of his progress and a foundation for future growth.

Tanor Bynum Secures 30th Spot in PFF Center Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is rooted in his strong performance in pass protection—a critical skill for a center tasked with safeguarding the quarterback’s blind side and picking up blitzes. According to PFF, Bynum posted a pass-blocking grade of 72.3 in 2024, which ranked 28th among all NFL centers and placed him in the “above-average” tier. What stood out most was his consistency: he allowed just 12 pressures (including 2 sacks) across 987 offensive snaps, translating to a pressure rate of 1.2%—well below the league average of 2.1% for centers. Bynum’s ability to anchor against interior pass rushers, such as the Tennessee Titans’ Jeffery Simmons and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ DaVon Hamilton, was particularly impressive; he held his own against Pro Bowl-caliber defenders, using quick feet and proper hand placement to neutralize their power and speed. In high-leverage situations, like third downs and red zones, Bynum’s pass protection became even more crucial: he posted a pass-blocking grade of 76.5 in third-down scenarios, helping the Colts convert 38.2% of their third-down attempts—an improvement from 35.1% in 2023. This reliability in pass protection was a key factor in PFF’s decision to rank Bynum among the league’s top 30 centers, as it highlighted his ability to keep Richardson upright and in rhythm.

A second major contributor to Tanor Bynum Secures 30th Spot in PFF Center Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is his growth as a run-blocker, a area where he showed significant improvement from his rookie season. PFF awarded Bynum a run-blocking grade of 69.8 in 2024, up from 64.3 in 2023, which ranked 32nd among NFL centers. His strength in this area was most evident in the Colts’ zone-running scheme, where he excelled at creating lanes for running back Jonathan Taylor. Bynum’s ability to reach the second level of the defense—using his 6’3”, 315-lb frame to seal off linebackers—played a key role in Taylor’s 1,212-yard rushing season. For example, in Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans, Bynum delivered a standout performance, earning a run-blocking grade of 81.2: he paved the way for Taylor’s 145-yard, 2-touchdown game by consistently outworking Titans defensive tackles and opening up holes in the middle of the line. While Bynum’s run-blocking grade still trails the league’s elite centers (such as the Kansas City Chiefs’ Creed Humphrey, who posted a 89.1 run-blocking grade), his year-over-year improvement was impossible for PFF to ignore. This growth not only contributed to his 30th-place ranking but also signaled that he has the potential to become a more well-rounded center in the coming seasons.

Tanor Bynum Secures 30th Spot in PFF Center Rankings for Indianapolis Colts also underscores his value to the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line depth, which was tested by injuries throughout the 2024 season. When left guard Quenton Nelson missed four games with a knee injury, the Colts’ offensive line had to shuffle personnel, and Bynum’s consistency became a stabilizing force. He was one of only two Colts offensive linemen to play every offensive snap in 2024, a durability that allowed the team to maintain continuity in both pass protection and run blocking—even as other positions rotated through backups. PFF noted this durability as a key factor in Bynum’s ranking, as it reflected his ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level week in and week out. The Indianapolis Colts’ coaching staff also relied on Bynum’s football IQ: as the center, he is responsible for making pre-snap adjustments to block schemes, and his ability to read defensive fronts and communicate with his fellow linemen helped the Colts reduce their penalty rate to 4.1 penalties per game—down from 5.3 in 2023. For a Colts offense that aims to be more efficient in 2025, Bynum’s role as a reliable, intelligent center will only grow in importance, and his PFF ranking is a sign that he is up to the task.

Another factor that shaped Tanor Bynum Secures 30th Spot in PFF Center Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is his performance in clutch situations, where he stepped up to make critical blocks that changed the outcome of games. PFF’s clutch grade— which evaluates a player’s performance in the fourth quarter and overtime with the score within eight points—was 74.9 for Bynum, the highest grade among all Colts offensive linemen. One of his most memorable clutch moments came in Week 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders: with the Colts trailing 22-19 and 1:30 left in the game, Bynum delivered a perfect pass block on a third-and-10 play, giving Richardson enough time to connect with Michael Pittman Jr. for a 25-yard gain that set up the game-tying field goal. In the overtime period, Bynum followed that up with a key run block that opened a 10-yard lane for Taylor, leading to the game-winning field goal. These moments of excellence in high-pressure situations not only endeared Bynum to Colts fans but also caught the attention of PFF’s analysts, who noted that his ability to perform when the stakes are highest separated him from lower-ranked centers. The Indianapolis Colts’ offense has long struggled with clutch performance, and Bynum’s growth in this area is a promising sign that the team is building a more resilient unit capable of winning close games.

Looking ahead, Tanor Bynum Secures 30th Spot in PFF Center Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is a launching pad for both Bynum’s individual development and the Colts’ offensive line plans for 2025. The Indianapolis Colts have already expressed interest in extending Bynum’s contract, as they look to retain key pieces of their offensive line to protect Richardson and support Taylor. For Bynum, the next step in climbing the PFF rankings will be refining his run-blocking technique—specifically, improving his ability to pull and lead on outside runs, an area where he posted a below-average grade of 62.1 in 2024. Working with offensive line coach Chris Strausser in the offseason on footwork and angles could help him elevate this part of his game, potentially pushing his run-blocking grade into the “above-average” tier (70+) and his overall ranking into the top 20. Additionally, reducing his penalty rate (he was called for 5 holding penalties in 2024) will be crucial, as PFF heavily weights discipline in its rankings. For the Colts, Bynum’s 30th-place ranking is a sign that their offensive line is moving in the right direction: with Bynum at center, Raimann at left tackle, and Nelson at left guard, the team has a core of young, talented linemen who can grow together. Tanor Bynum Secures 30th Spot in PFF Center Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is not just a personal achievement—it’s a reflection of the Colts’ commitment to building a dominant offense, one snap at a time.