Is Quenton Nelson Still Considered Elite?
Going into last season, Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson was still considered the best interior lineman in the NFL. However, back to back average seasons have taken some of the shine off his star.
ESPN conducts a poll of NFL execs, scouts, and players every year to see who they feel is the best player at every position. Nelson is still getting the benefit of the doubt at No. 3, although the anonymous quotes indicate he needs to turn it around from a sub-par 2022.
Nelson, the No. 1 interior lineman for the past two seasons, had never received votes outside of the top 10 -- until this year.
"May be a bit harsh but the tape was not good," said an AFC scout who did not list Nelson. "The whole [Colts] line was bad and overpaid."
The Colts ranked 27th in total offense despite three linemen -- Nelson, center Ryan Kelly and tackle Braden Smith -- playing on contracts worth a combined $200 million. -- Jeremy Fowler, ESPN+
Only Zack Martin of the Dallas Cowboys and Joe Thuney of the Kansas City Chiefs came in ahead of Martin in ESPN's poll.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor also fell in ESPN's poll. He was ranked No. 6 this year after being ranked No. 2 the prior season.
That several of the Colts fell in the rankings should come as no surprise after the disappointing 4-12-1 record they posted last year.
However, the strong nucleus of young talent including the likes of Nelson and Taylor are reasons for optimism headed into 2023. Those elite players didn't just fall off a cliff in one season.
New head coach Shane Steichen will be tasked with getting the best out of his veteran core while bringing along uber-talented rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson.
If Steichen can do that quickly his first year in charge, players like Nelson and Taylor will move back up the rankings, but more importantly, the Colts will move back up the standings.
