INDIANAPOLIS — Quenton Nelson, welcome to Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis Colts tonight selected Nelson, considered by many to be the best offensive lineman prospect to enter the NFL Draft in the last couple decades, with the No. 6-overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Nelson, a guard, was a standout at Notre Dame, where he was an unanimous All-American and named the team MVP in 2017, becoming the first offensive lineman to earn that distinction since 1975. As a sophomore in 2015, he started 11 of his team's 12 games, and has started all 25 Fighting Irish games over his last two seasons.
Nelson provides likely an immediate starter along a Colts offensive line looking for major improvements heading into 2018 under a new head coach in Frank Reich. Indianapolis last year led the league with 56 sacks allowed, but hopes to benefit from the return of left tackle Anthony Castonzo, who had a career year last year, as well as center Ryan Kelly, who experienced an injury-plagued 2017 campaign, missing the first four games of the season before suffering a concussion and being placed on IR late in the season.
Stay tuned for more on this developing news, but for now, here's what Lance Zierlein wrote about Nelson in his NFL.com Draft Profile:
Overview
Elite guard prospect with outstanding size, rare power and a block finisher who can make tape room sessions uncomfortable for most opponents. Nelson is technically sound and is unlikely to face a long adjustment period once he gets into the league. Nelson may need to make sure and keep his play speed high and prevent against taking his eyes off of his target when coming off the ball. Nelson has the traits and talent to become an All-Pro guard for years to come.XT
