Quenton Nelson Ranks 4th Among Guards for Indianapolis Colts

As Pro Football Focus (PFF) released its midseason offensive line rankings for the 2024 NFL season, one name familiar to Indianapolis Colts fans stood out: left guard Quenton Nelson, who secured the 4th spot among all league guards with an impressive overall grade of 87.9. This ranking marks a return to elite form for Nelson, who faced minor injuries and a slight dip in production in 2023 but has rebounded in 2024 to reestablish himself as one of the NFL’s premier interior linemen. What makes Nelson’s 4th-place ranking even more notable is the consistency he brings—he’s now ranked in the top 5 among guards in five of his seven NFL seasons, a testament to his durability, work ethic, and ability to adapt to scheme changes. For the Colts, Nelson’s high ranking isn’t just a personal accolade; it’s a reflection of how critical he is to the team’s top-5 ranked offensive line, which has become the backbone of their offensive success. Quenton Nelson Ranks 4th Among Guards for Indianapolis Colts is more than a stat line—it’s proof that Nelson remains a cornerstone of the franchise’s offensive identity.

Nelson’s elite ranking is driven by his dominance in both run blocking and pass protection, two areas where he excels at a level few guards in the league can match. In run blocking, Nelson has posted a PFF grade of 89.2 through 11 games, the second-highest among all guards. His ability to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage and create lanes for running back Jonathan Taylor is unmatched—he’s recorded 22 “dominant blocks” (per PFF) that have led to gains of 10+ yards, including a crucial block in Week 6 against the Houston Texans that springboarded Taylor for a 45-yard touchdown run. In pass protection, Nelson is equally impressive, allowing just 1 sack and 3 quarterback pressures all season, good for a pass-blocking grade of 85.1. What sets Nelson apart is his technical precision: he uses his 6’5”, 330-pound frame to absorb contact, his quick feet to mirror blitzing linebackers, and his football IQ to anticipate defensive stunts. Colts offensive line coach Chris Strausser has praised Nelson’s attention to detail, noting that “he studies every opponent’s tendencies and adjusts his technique accordingly—something that’s rare even among Pro Bowl players.” This all-around excellence is why Nelson consistently ranks among the league’s best. Quenton Nelson Ranks 4th Among Guards for Indianapolis Colts is a result of his ability to excel in every facet of the guard position.

Beyond his individual stats, Nelson’s impact on the Colts’ offensive line as a whole is a key reason the unit ranks in the NFL’s top 5. As the longest-tenured member of the line, Nelson serves as a de facto leader, both on and off the field. He’s the one who calls out defensive shifts before snaps, ensures his fellow linemen are aligned correctly, and mentors younger players like rookie guard Blake Freeland. Freeland, a third-round draft pick, has credited Nelson with accelerating his development, saying, “Quenton spends extra time with me after practice going over film and teaching me how to handle different defensive looks—I wouldn’t be where I am without him.” Nelson’s leadership has also fostered a culture of accountability on the line; if one player makes a mistake, Nelson works with them to correct it, rather than letting frustration build. This cohesion is evident in the line’s performance: the Colts have the fewest offensive line penalties in the AFC (just 18 through 11 games) and have allowed the second-fewest sacks (14). Nelson’s presence turns a group of talented individuals into a unified, dominant unit. Quenton Nelson Ranks 4th Among Guards for Indianapolis Colts is a tribute to his ability to elevate everyone around him.

A critical aspect of Nelson’s value to the Indianapolis Colts is his durability and availability, two traits that have become increasingly rare among elite NFL linemen. Since being drafted 6th overall in 2018, Nelson has missed just 3 games in seven seasons, a remarkable streak that has kept the Colts’ offensive line stable even during injury crises. In 2024, when right guard Chris Reed missed two games with a knee injury, Nelson’s consistency helped the line maintain its high level of play—Freeland stepped in, and Nelson adjusted his communication to ensure the rookie stayed on track. This durability is no accident: Nelson follows a rigorous offseason training program focused on strength, flexibility, and injury prevention, and he prioritizes recovery during the season, including daily yoga and cryotherapy sessions. For the Indianapolis Colts, Nelson’s availability is invaluable—he’s the one constant in an offensive line that has seen other positions turn over in recent years. His ability to stay on the field ensures the line’s scheme remains consistent, the running game stays on track, and quarterback Gardner Minshew has the protection he needs to make plays. Quenton Nelson Ranks 4th Among Guards for Indianapolis Colts is made possible by his commitment to staying healthy and reliable for his team.

Nelson’s 4th-place ranking also aligns with the Indianapolis Colts’ long-term offensive strategy, which focuses on building around a strong, stable offensive line to support both the running game and passing attack. The Colts have invested heavily in keeping Nelson in Indianapolis—they signed him to a four-year, $80 million extension in 2021, making him one of the highest-paid guards in the league—and that investment has paid off. With Nelson anchoring the left guard spot, the Colts can focus on upgrading other positions (like wide receiver or defensive line) without worrying about a gap in the line. His presence also makes the Colts an attractive destination for free-agent running backs and quarterbacks, who know they’ll have elite protection. For the Indianapolis Colts, Nelson isn’t just a great guard—he’s a foundational piece that allows the rest of the offense to thrive. This strategy was on full display in 2024, as the Colts’ rushing attack ranks 6th in the NFL (132 yards per game) and Minshew has posted a career-high quarterback rating of 98.7. Quenton Nelson Ranks 4th Among Guards for Indianapolis Colts is a cornerstone of the team’s plan to build a sustainable, competitive offense.

Looking ahead, Nelson’s ranking could climb even higher as the season progresses, especially if he maintains his current level of play against tough divisional opponents. The Indianapolis Colts face the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans twice each in the final six games, and Nelson will be tasked with blocking elite defensive tackles like the Jaguars’ DaVon Hamilton and the Titans’ Jeffery Simmons. If Nelson can neutralize these players—something he’s done in past matchups—he could boost his PFF grade and move up to the top 3 among guards. Beyond this season, Nelson’s contract runs through 2025, and the Colts have expressed interest in extending him further, ensuring he remains a Colt for the foreseeable future. For Nelson, the 4th-place ranking is a reminder of his standing in the league, but it’s not the end goal. As he’s said in interviews, “I don’t play for rankings—I play to help the Colts win games and make the playoffs.” Still, his high ranking is a validation of his hard work and a sign that he’s still among the best at his position. Quenton Nelson Ranks 4th Among Guards for Indianapolis Colts is a testament to his enduring excellence and his importance to the franchise’s success, both now and in the years to come.