There is no secret the Indianapolis Colts have a lot of young talent that is still on the rise and the group is headlined by a pair of All-Pros in guard Quenton Nelson and linebacker Darius Leonard.
More than halfway through their second season, the duo continues to make a massive impact on their respective side of the ball. Nelson is arguably the best guard in the NFL while Leonard has rounded into form over these last few weeks.
Both of them made ESPN’s “Top 25 under 25” list by Mike Clay.
Here’s what Clay had to say about Nelson, who was ranked No. 5 on the list:
The lone offensive lineman on our list, Nelson has been the driving force for the emergence of the Colts’ line as one of the league’s best units. The Notre Dame product has been on the field for all but one of Indianapolis’ offensive snaps since he was selected with the sixth pick of the 2018 draft. His 94.1% pass block win rate ranked 11th among guards during his rookie season and sits at 93.7% (11th best) this season.
Nelson was named to the Pro Bowl and was a first-team All-Pro during an outstanding rookie season, and he’s on track for significantly more award recognition over the next decade.
It’s a bit surprising to say that Nelson has gotten better in Year 2. Given how much success he had during his rookie season, there wasn’t much more to improve. He’s done it, though, and is on his way to being the best guard in the NFL.
Leonard came in at No. 10 on the list.
Chris Ballard has crushed it since taking over as the Colts’ general manager after the 2016 season, and one of his best finds was Leonard with the 36th overall pick of the 2018 draft. Leonard immediately stepped in as a full-time player and went on to lead the NFL in tackles while also racking up seven sacks, which was the most by an off-ball linebacker. He was not only the Defensive Rookie of the Year but also a first-team All Pro.
Injuries have limited Leonard to six games in his sophomore season, but he has remained a force with 60 tackles (fourth most in the league during those six weeks), three sacks and two interceptions. Leonard has played at least 98% of the Colts’ defensive snaps during all but one of his 22 games. Now back in full from the injury, Leonard is locked in as the long-term quarterback of the Colts’ defense.
Leonard got off to a slow start to begin the 2019 season, but he’s rounding into form over the last few weeks. The Maniac continues to be a fixture in the middle of the defense, wreaking havoc at the line of scrimmage.
It should be noted that Colts safety Malik Hooker and right tackle Braden Smith were honorable mentions on the list