Irish In The NFL: Quenton Nelson Is Already Dominating

Notre Dame has had its fair share of NFL stars over the years, but arguably none have been more hyped-up than offensive lineman Quenton Nelson. Unsurprisingly, the 6th overall pick in this year’s draft has lived up to the expectations thus far.

It’s easy for the headlines to get cluttered up with Baker Mayfield, Saquan Barkley and other highly drafted skill players as Week 1 of Preseason comes to a close. With the hype and expectations Quenton Nelson received coming out of Notre Dame, I think it is necessary to look at how the rookie has faired so far as an Indianapolis Colt.

Nelson was called the safest player in this year’s draft by many — a sure-fire Pro Bowler and future All-Pro. The excitmenet was warranted. Anyone who turned on his film or watched the Irish over the last few years knew No. 56 was going to be special. Everything from his nasty demeanor to his 6-6, 330-pound frame tells you that he is going to be the real deal. So far in Indianapolis, he has been.

Since Day 1 of Colts Training Camp, Nelson has been turning heads with his ability to do what he has his entire life — stonewall defenders who seem to have physics and momentum on their side and physically impose himself on whoever lines up across from him.

Last Thursday, Nelson logged 33 snaps in the Colts’ first preseason game vs. the Seahawks. While he struggled slightly in pass protection, he did what he does best and was a road-grader all night. His talent was front-and-center on an 11 yard run by Christine Michael late in the 2nd quarter, where Nelson pulled from his left guard position and perfectly — and violently — kicked Seattle’s Akeem King out of the frame, opening up a huge running lane. The stage wasn’t too big for Nelson, as he went out and did what he always does — puts his hand in the dirt and goes to work. Colts head coach Frank Reich was impressed with Nelson’s debut, saying that his performance “showed that he belongs where we picked him.”

Nelson’s unique size and athletecism are truly things to behold. He is able to play with great leverage, which makes him a nightmare for defenders who try to run through him. For those who prefer the scenic route and try to go around him, his ability to use his feet and move laterally while maintaining his power shuts that option down quickly.

As I mentioned earleir, Nelson’s demeanor might be the scariest aspect of his game. In March, when asked about why teams should draft him so high, he said, “I want to dominate all my opponents. I want to take their will away to play the game.”

Talk about a power statement.

Nelson is going to attack Aaron Donald the same way he is going to attack the Colts’ second-team defensive tackle during training camp (poor guy) — and that is scary. That consistency is what has put Nelson in the position he’s in today.

While this article serves to recape Quenton Nelson’s performance with the Colts thus far, it’s also a reminder that he is the real deal. As the preseason continues and regular season approaches, following Nelson and watching his game progress is going to be a thing of beauty. It isn’t even considered a hot take at this point when I say he will be the NFL’s best offensive guard within the next two seasons.

Nelson is going to be a star and will no doubt help turn that Colts franchise around with a healthy Andrew Luck. Next time you stumble across a Colts game, take a second to watch No. 56 go to work on every down. It’s pretty special.