Colts shore up offensive line, select Quenton Nelson with No. 6 pick

The Indianapolis Colts have selected guard Quenton Nelson out of Notre Dame with the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Nelson was widely considered as the best offensive line prospect in the draft and will immediately serve as one of the anchors of the group.

The former Notre Dame standout is a superior run blocker who can easily maul defensive lineman and attack at the second level.

Nelson needs to improve as a pass blocker but he's arguably the safest prospect from this year's class and few would be surprised if he contributes immediately at a Pro Bowl level.

Quenton Nelson Bio

Position: G
School: Notre Dame
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 329 lbs

Strengths

• Perfect build. Has ideal frame, arm length, and width for a guard without carrying much extra weight.
• Mean and nasty. Loves to finish his blocks with power. Demoralizes defensive linemen by manhandling them on every play.
• Lateral movement is good enough to take on speedy pass-rushers in space or seal off defensive backs when pulling as a run-blocker.
• Has the football IQ to know when to adjust his assignment. Can use technique to keep defenders at arm's length or drive shoulder into someone's chest for highlight-reel pancake block.
• Possibly most polished prospect in 2018 draft. Can plug in and play as a rookie with a chance to make Pro Bowl in first season.

Weaknesses

• Can get caught staying on blocks too long when run-blocking instead of moving on to second-level defenders.
• Overaggressive. Typically a wanted characteristic for guards, Nelson can get caught overcommitting to a block by smarter defensive linemen. NFLers will likely pick up on this faster than collegiate players.
• Room for improvement as a pass-blocker.

Athletic testing