After two seasons of simply dominating his opposition, the time has come for Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson to be recognized as an elite player in regards to the rest of the league.
The entire offseason has seen praise thrown Nelson’s way, some of which has him in the conversation for the NFL’s best overall player. Entering his third season, Nelson is looking to stay in that elite company.
Our friends over at Touchdown Wire are ranking the top-11 players at each position. For the guards across the NFL, Nelson reigns supreme.
Throughout the history of the NFL draft, which goes back to 1936, only 11 guards have been selected higher than Nelson, who was taken with the sixth overall pick in 2018. In his rookie season, Nelson allowed just two sacks and 24 total pressures, while establishing himself as one of the league’s best run-blockers right out of the gate.
And then, in 2019, he got even better. Nelson didn’t allow a single sack last season, with just two quarterback hits and 18 quarterback pressures allowed. But it’s not the numbers that set Nelson apart– there are other guards with equally good metrics. Whet sets Nelson apart from everyone else who plays his position is the almost comically dominant reps he puts on tape. Yannick Ngakoue and Jadeveon Clowney, two of the better edge defenders in the league, would certainly testify.
There really isn’t much more to say about Nelson that hasn’t already been said. He’s an elite run-blocker and pass protector while his athleticism makes gives him the ability to make plays in space.
He also brings a mauler attitude that most players look up to and entering his third season, Nelson has the chance to take over as the unquestioned top guard in the NFL.