According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (subscription), Quenton Nelson of the Indianapolis Colts has been ranked as the third-best offensive guard heading into the 2024 regular season based on a vote by league executives, coaches, and scouts:
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler: Quenton Nelson Ranked Third Among NFL Offensive Guards for 2024
The 28-year-old Nelson, who was ranked as high as 1st and as low as 10th by voters, maintained his position despite divided opinions among teams. Recognized for his pivotal role in the Colts’ rushing offense, Nelson helped them secure a 10th-place finish despite challenges like injuries to quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor.
An AFC scout praised Nelson’s standout performance, suggesting it might have been his best season yet. His impressive 72.4% run block win rate ranked fourth among all considered guards. However, some critics were less convinced of his top-five status, with one league executive noting concerns about Nelson’s weight distribution and agility decline.
Despite varying assessments, Nelson started all 17 games last season and earned a solid +70.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including an impressive +80.3 in pass blocking. While not achieving his previous All-Pro levels, Nelson’s consistent play secured him a Pro Bowl nod for the sixth consecutive season.
As he approaches his late twenties with some history of back issues, questions arise about Nelson’s physical dominance. Yet, observers highlight his continued excellence in football IQ, on-field awareness, and technical proficiency. Nelson remains a formidable force in the trenches, demonstrating the potential for a future Hall of Fame career.