The number six overall pick in the draft will be a foundational piece for the Colts in the future, but can also contribute to the team right away.
GM Chris Ballard made it known that when the Colts’ name rolled around on draft day that he had two players to choose from; DE Bradley Chubb and guard Quenton Nelson. When Chubb got drafted one pick before him, Ballard gladly grabbed Nelson. And it was a fantastic pick.
Nelson might end up being the best player taken the the 2018 NFL Draft. That’s a strong take, but he is a foundational piece. He can be a dominant force on the offensive line for the next decade. He is so big and strong that he can handle any defensive lineman on the interior.
While he is a big piece for the Colts’ future, he is also a strong piece for their present. Nelson will be a day one starter and make an immediate impact. He will open up holes for Marlon Mack to run up the middle and keep Andrew Luck upright as well.
Nelson will have a lot to learn in his first NFL season, and that starts at this weeks training camp. He will get his first real showing of NFL defensive lineman and talent. He will be able to see how he measures up. He is one of the players to watch during the duration of camp.
But Nelson’s core development will happen during the regular season. He will be able to play every week against top talent and will learn how to stop it. There’s a strong chance given his potential that he could be playing at a Pro Bowl level by the end of the season.
Next: Expectations for Andrew Luck
Nelson has an incredibly bright future in Indy, but fans should be excited about his present as well. He is a monster.