With the help of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler ranked the top 10 interior offensive linemen ahead of the 2024 season. Featured on the list was the Colts’ left guard Quenton Nelson.
Below is a look at what went into this ranking process:
“Voters give us their best 10 players at a position, then we compile the results and rank candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film-study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. In total, nearly 80 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed help us break any ties.”
The 2023 season was a bounce-back year for the Colts’ offensive line as a whole, and a resurgence from Nelson played a key part in that. Collectively, the Colts would finish the year top 10 in both yards per carry and pressure rate.
Of Nelson’s 1,141 total snaps last season, 686 came in pass protection, with him allowing just one sack and 21 pressures. Among all guards, Nelson was sixth in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric.
“I thought he was stellar — maybe his best season,” an AFC scout told ESPN.
Along with what Nelson brings to the offense with his own individual play, he is a leader and a force-multiplier, making those around him better. His presence, both on the field and off, played an important role in Bernhard Raimann’s growth in Years 2.
“That’s just huge,” said Raiman of playing next to Nelson. “The communication on the field, for me personally it’s huge because I’m right next to him, but his leadership as a whole for the entire offensive line, and just the consistency.
“I know where he’s going to be in pass protection, I know how he’s going to step in the run game. I know how I have to fit in double-teams with him to move the defensive tackle, and that just makes my game that much easier.”
However, although Nelson was ranked third on this list, one AFC executive wasn’t as impressed with his play last season.
“I think Nelson has always been a little overrated,” an AFC executive said to Fowler. “His highs are very high, and he can set a tone and dominate at times. I think he has slipped this past year, though.”
In addition to ranking Nelson among the best at his position group, ESPN also believes the Colts’ offensive line unit as a whole will be among the best as well, with all five starters from last season returning.
While much of the attention this offseason was focused on adding more playmaking around Anthony Richardson–which was needed–as GM Chris Ballard mentioned prior to the draft, success for a young quarterback begins up front with blocking and protecting.
“Like I said, protect,” said GM Chris Ballard before the NFL Draft. “Block and protect. Just look through the league, just look through the playoff teams and they all can block and protect. I think that’s critical. So that’s one.
“I remember Andrew (Luck) used to tell me all the time, ‘Chris, let’s get me protected. Give me guys who can catch it and get to the right spot, and I’ll make the rest work.’ Most of the good ones that’s how they roll. Do you want the superstar out there? Absolutely. But protection, to me, is always first and foremost.”
Along with ranking the top 10 players at guard or center, ESPN also mentioned several Honorable Mentions, and those who received some votes. Among those who received votes was Colts’ center Ryan Kelly.
