What Drafting Quenton Nelson Means for the Colts

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Quenton Nelson of Notre Dame after he was picked
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Quenton Nelson of Notre Dame after he was picked

The Colts selected guard Quenton Nelson with the sixth overall pick in the draft. What does that mean for the Colts’ future draft plans?

Once Saquon Barkley and Bradley Chubb were off the board, the Colts knew they were going to take Quenton Nelson. They needed to take someone who would help protect franchise quarterback Andrew Luck, and that’s exactly what they did.

They no doubt had offers to trade back into the draft once again, but refused once they saw Nelson was still available. This is a guy Chris Ballard wanted. It also gives some insight on what the Colts will be thinking with the rest of their draft picks.

Addressing offensive line this early means that the Colts will address other needs in the second round. Ballard thinks teams are built in the trenches, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them go after a pass rusher with one of those second round picks.

Indianapolis should also look to take a wide receiver and a linebacker as well with those second round picks. They could also look to go defensive tackle to fortify the run defense, or they could go running back to supplement the backfield with Marlon Mack.

Nelson being picks shows that the Colts are finally committed to protecting Andrew Luck and getting a good push for running plays. He will fit along nicely with the other young offensive linemen the Colts have, and should have an immediate impact.

Next: Colts Draft Guard Quenton Nelson

It will be interesting to see what the Colts do moving forward in the draft. Tomorrow will certainly be intriguing to see which area of need the team addresses first. It also wouldn’t be surprising to see them trade one of their second round picks to accumulate more picks later in the draft.

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