NFL execs, coaches rank Colts' Quenton Nelson among best interior OL
No surprise here, but NFL execs, coaches, and scouts believe that the Indianapolis Colts' Quenton Nelson is one of the best interior offensive linemen entering the 2025 season.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler compiled his ranking of the top 10 interior offensive linemen, and to do so, he spoke with the "league's true insiders." After coming in at No. 2 last season on this list, Nelson is No. 3 this year.
"Nelson is building what could become a Hall of Fame case, making the Pro Bowl every year since 2018," wrote Fowler. "The Colts thought Nelson bounced back with a resurgent 2023 after a down 2022 (for his standards), and he remained solid in 2024 with a 94.4 pass block win rate and 77.1 run block win rate, the latter tying for first among the top 10 interior linemen."
As mentioned, Nelson has now made seven consecutive Pro Bowls, and he was a second-team All-Pro in 2024 as well, his first time making an All-Pro team since 2021.
Along with ESPN's metrics, PFF's data also illustrates what was a very good 2024 season for Nelson. He ranked 15th among all guards in pass-blocking efficiency, and he was fourth in run-blocking grade.
Running back Jonathan Taylor averaged 4.8 yards per rush when running to Nelson's direct left and 5.3 yards per rush when running to his direct right.
With second-year players Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves taking over at center and right guard, Nelson's experience and high level of play will be crucial in providing the Colts' interior offensive line with any needed stability with two relatively inexperienced starters next to him.
Certainly, all eyes will be on Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson, but consistent success for either of those quarterbacks starts with the Colts' offensive line providing time in the pocket and a run game to lean on.
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