When you think of the NFL’s top guards, Quenton Nelson is likely one of the first names that comes to mind. The Indianapolis Colts star is only in his seventh season. But will he eventually make the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Several guards in NFL history have made the Hall of Fame. The list includes guys like Larry Allen, John Hannah, Gene Upshaw, Bruce Matthews and Randall McDaniel. After his career comes to an end, will Nelson join them in Canton?
Indianapolis Colts Guard Quenton Nelson Might Be a Future Hall of Famer
Off to a Great Start
Indianapolis selected Nelson with the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Before the draft, the team had traded the No. 3 pick to the New York Jets for No. 6 and three second-rounders. Colts general manager Chris Ballard is often criticized for not making moves that fans want him to. But drafting Nelson was certainly one of his smartest decisions.
Nelson immediately became one of the league’s best offensive linemen. He was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Month in October. The former Notre Dame star also became the first guard in league history to ever win the award. During his rookie season, he made the Pro Bowl and was named a first-team All-Pro. That’s a great season for any player, let alone a rookie.
Nelson is off to an outstanding start to his career. He has been named an All-Pro four times and a Pro Bowler six times. Nelson is only the 15th player since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 to earn a spot in six straight Pro Bowls to begin a career. He is just the fourth offensive lineman to accomplish the feat. Richmond Webb, Joe Thomas, and current Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin were the first to do it. We’ll see if Nelson’s Pro Bowl streak continues this season.
Will He Ultimately Make the Hall of Fame?
Without a doubt, Nelson has been one of the NFL’s best guards since his rookie year. He’s currently having another good season in Indy, serving as the team’s top offensive lineman.
The Colts had a franchise-record 335 rushing yards in their Week 16 win over the Tennessee Titans. Jonathan Taylor was the star of the game, rushing for 218 yards and three touchdowns. Anthony Richardson produced a career-high 70 rushing yards and a score. But don’t forget about Nelson, who played a major role in that happening. He posted the second-highest run-blocking grade in the league and was a key piece in a few runs that picked up huge gains.
Nelson currently ranks in the top 10 for both pass and run blocking and is rated the seventh-best guard overall by Pro Football Focus. The New Jersey native has been a bright spot for a 7-8 Colts squad that more than likely won’t make the playoffs this season. If he can avoid major injuries and continues to play on a Pro Bowl level for a few more years, Nelson should reach the Hall of Fame one day.
Main Photo Courtesy of Christine Tannous – Imagn Images
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