It isn’t often a rookie earns a First-Team All-Pro selection, but Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson proved he was worthy of his high draft spot following an elite campaign.
Even for Nelson, who was consistently a force along the Colts offensive line, there are areas in which he wants to improve. Under a new staff in the form of Chris Strausser, Howard Mudd and Klayton Adams, Nelson is a big believer in the work getting done this spring.
“I like them a lot. They really harp on the fundamentals and do a great job teaching,” Nelson told reporters Tuesday. “They are very detail oriented and what they’re teaching – I feel like I have already seen results in myself and my teammates too. So it has been awesome being coached by them and they’re doing a great job.”
The Colts fired offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo during the early part of the offseason. Wanting more of a teacher and less of a motivator, Indy sought to bring in the trio of Strausser, Mudd and Adams.
Nelson had just about as strong of a rookie season as can be had for a guard that was selected with the No. 6 pick in the draft. He was the only Colt to play every single snap on the offensive side of the ball and excelled with consistency.
However, there are areas the Notre Dame product wants to improve upon. That specifically comes in the form of his technique.
“I think everyone can get better at their technique just every day with the consistency of it – like all the fine details of offensive line play,” Nelson said. “For me, it would be getting my hands inside, keeping my elbows in the run game and the pass game and really trusting and believing in my technique.”
The Colts offensive line is seeing the return of all five starters from the 2018 season. Nelson will continue to be a cornerstone for the entire offensive unit, which will look to impose its will even more in 2019.
