NFL executive thinks Colts All-Pro LG Quenton Nelson is overrated
The 2022 season is one the Indianapolis Colts want to forget. And that goes for All-Pro LG Quenton Nelson, who struggled on the field and with injuries throughout the year. His bounce-back in 2024 led to him landing a high spot in a top 10 interior offensive linemen rankings compiled via a survey of NFL executives, […]
The 2022 season is one the Indianapolis Colts want to forget. And that goes for All-Pro LG Quenton Nelson, who struggled on the field and with injuries throughout the year.
His bounce-back in 2024 led to him landing a high spot in a top 10 interior offensive linemen rankings compiled via a survey of NFL executives, head coaches, and scouts.
Quenton Nelson
Ranking: 3rd
Highest Ranking: 1st
Lowest Ranking: 10th
Teams are torn on Nelson, a former No. 1 who is still among the best. Nelson helped a depleted Colts offense finish 10th in rushing despite injuries to quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor.
"I thought he was stellar — maybe his best season," an AFC scout said.
Nelson's 72.4% run block win rate ranked fourth among guards under consideration. Others weren't sold on him as a top-five guard, with one league exec saying Nelson is playing "top heavy and doesn't bend as well anymore."
"I think Nelson has always been a little overrated," an AFC executive said. "His highs are very high, and he can set a tone and dominate at times. I think he has slipped this past year, though."– NFL execs, coaches, and scouts top 10 interior O-Line rankings
Reading the quotes shared by ESPN's Jeremey Fowler on Nelson is interesting. You see an AFC scout say that they thought last season might have been Nelson's best in the NFL, while an AFC executive thought he "slipped this past year." The AFC executive also shared that they thought Nelson has always been "a little overrated."
If this were being shared following the 2022 season, I'd completely understand someone thinking he "slipped." But in my opinion, in 2023 we saw him return to elite form. And I think the team finding a stable piece at their LT position in Bernhard Raimann was a big reason for this. Nelson no longer had to worry so much about the LT blowing their assignment and was able to focus on his own.
Ultimately, I think this survey ranked Nelson fairly, with him coming in at third, just behind Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin and Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom. I wouldn't be shocked if you asked three NFL executives to rank this trio if you got three different answers. All three are elite guards and are in elite company on this list.
The NFL is still sleeping on Colts LT Bernhard Raimann
The Indianapolis Colts have seen LT Bernhard Raimann improve each year he's been in the NFL. Near the end of last season, he was playing like one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. But it seems people around the league are still sleeping on the third-year tackle, with Raimann being left outside of […]
The Indianapolis Colts best decision from this past NFL offseason
The 2024 offseason has come and gone, with the Indianapolis Colts set to report for Training Camp on July 24. Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema shared what he believes was the best offseason decision made by each AFC team, with the Colts' being one they made during the 2024 NFL Draft. Drafting Laiatu Latu "Although the Colts […]
