Indianapolis Colts draft Quenton Nelson: Instant grade and analysis

The Indianapolis Colts selected Quenton Nelson with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here’s all you need to know about Nelson, including our grade.

It looks like the Indianapolis Colts have made it a priority to keep franchise quarterback upright in the 2018 NFL Draft. With the No. 6 overall pick, the Colts landed Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Quenton Nelson. Luck should be thanking general manager Chris Ballard for this smart selection.

Strengths

It’s hard to not get excited when you consider that the last time a Notre Dame guard was drafted in the first round before Thursday night, the Dallas Cowboys corralled future perennial Pro Bowler Zack Martin in 2014. At 6-foot-5, 329 pounds, Nelson is arguably the best guard to come out of college this decade, and should be an immediate starter who can make an impact.

Watching the film, it’s very tough to see anything wrong with his game. The nasty streak is there in spades, the power and quick feet are there, and the ability to finish the play is evident. It’s ridiculous to say, but Nelson is the best player in this draft by a mile.

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Weaknesses

It almost appears to be nit-picking when it comes to Nelson, who was named the Fighting Irish’s Most Valuable Player in 2017, but there are a few aspects of his game that could use a little work. If anything, Nelson simply needs to focus in on every play, something that the tape shows can wander on the occasional snap. Again, not a huge issue, but a little thing to improve.

Meanwhile, Pro Football Focus waxes poetic about the former Golden Domer in their 2018 Draft Guide. But their critique of Nelson included the observation that his “natural aggression can be detriment at times when he gets overextended trying to deliver a blow.” Again, this looks like a player with very few flaws and should be in a starting lineup come September.

Grade

This pick was simply outstanding. Nelson was going to go in the top-10 and the Colts made their best draft pick since taking Luck No. 1 overall six years ago. This selection could help the Colts get back into the AFC playoff mix right away.

Grade: A+