NFL executive thinks Colts All-Pro LG Quenton Nelson is overrated

The 2022 season is one the Indianapolis Colts want to forget. And that goes for All-Pro LG Quenton Nelson, who struggled on the field and with injuries throughout the year.

His bounce-back in 2024 led to him landing a high spot in a top 10 interior offensive linemen rankings compiled via a survey of NFL executives, head coaches, and scouts .

Quenton Nelson

Ranking: 3rd

Highest Ranking: 1st
Lowest Ranking: 10th

Teams are torn on Nelson, a former No. 1 who is still among the best. Nelson helped a depleted Colts offense finish 10th in rushing despite injuries to quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor .

"I thought he was stellar -- maybe his best season," an AFC scout said.

Nelson's 72.4% run block win rate ranked fourth among guards under consideration. Others weren't sold on him as a top-five guard, with one league exec saying Nelson is playing "top heavy and doesn't bend as well anymore."

"I think Nelson has always been a little overrated," an AFC executive said. "His highs are very high, and he can set a tone and dominate at times. I think he has slipped this past year, though."

- NFL execs, coaches, and scouts top 10 interior O-Line rankings

Reading the quotes shared by ESPN's Jeremey Fowler on Nelson is interesting. You see an AFC scout say that they thought last season might have been Nelson's best in the NFL, while an AFC executive thought he "slipped this past year." The AFC executive also shared that they thought Nelson has always been "a little overrated."

If this were being shared following the 2022 season, I'd completely understand someone thinking he "slipped." But in my opinion, in 2023 we saw him return to elite form. And I think the team finding a stable piece at their LT position in Bernhard Raimann was a big reason for this. Nelson no longer had to worry so much about the LT blowing their assignment and was able to focus on his own.

Ultimately, I think this survey ranked Nelson fairly, with him coming in at third, just behind Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin and Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom. I wouldn't be shocked if you asked three NFL executives to rank this trio if you got three different answers. All three are elite guards and are in elite company on this list.

Related: The NFL is still sleeping on Colts LT Bernhard Raimann

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