Quenton Nelson

hall of famer mike munchak, oilers. athletic, powerful and highly aggressive, munchak earned the no. 8 overall selection in 1982 and became an immediate standout at left guard for houston, earning invitations to nine pro bowls over his 12 nfl seasons. a similar blend of consistency and immediate impact potential could earn the even-more imposing nelson a top 10 grade, as well.

IN OUR VIEW

strengths possesses a thick, burly build well-suited to playing in the trenches with broad shoulders, a barrel chest and anvils for limbs. generates rare power at the point of attack, consistently driving defensive linemen off the ball with an explosive pop on contact, rolling through his hips to finish, delivering more pancakes than a busy server at ihop.

Terrific initial quickness out of his stance on down blocks and when pulling, showing light feet and balance to escape, scrape and get to the second level. Takes efficient power steps, not over-extending himself in a blind pursuit of speed to get to linebackers and leaving himself unbalanced. An intimidating blocker on the move, arriving with a plan and anticipating where defenders are headed.

flanked by a top 50 nfl prospect in left tackle mike mcglinchey and therefore is afforded protection few other top guards in this class received. a bit inconsistent with his initial get-off and can be a step late off the ball. got away with extending his arms to grab cloth and "catch" defenders and was given the benefit of the doubt by college officials but could get flagged for holding against stronger, quicker nfl defenders who won't be so easily slowed. above average athlete in space but does not possess the straight-line speed to wow in workouts. -- rob rang 12/11/2017

COMPARES TO

good speed for a man of his size to get to the second level and can adjust to moving targets, generating some wicked hits on linebackers to clear big rushing lanes. eases out of his stance in pass protection, showing confidence in his lateral agility to mirror defensive tackles. keeps his butt down and knees bent, absorbing bull rushers by winning the leverage battle and controlling opponents with excellent hand strength and placement. looks for work when not covered up, keeping his head on a swivel to help his left tackle and center. shows a secondary burst to close on surprise blitzers and stunts, getting a powerful shove on defenders to buy ball-carriers extra time. durable performer with just one missed start due to injury (2015). - rob rang 12/11/2017

WEAKNESSES

it isn't often that an interior offensive lineman warrants top 10 consideration but nelson is an exceptional talent, as the fact that he was named mvp for notre dame in 2017 suggests. nelson's blend of prototypical size, sheer power, efficient athleticism and finishing mentality suggest an immediate impact and future pro bowl votes.

--Rob Rang, 12-13-17

Attended Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, N. J. Second-team offensive lineman on USA Today All-USA prep All-America squad for 2013. Honorable mention selection on Parade prep All-America squad Ranked as 29th-best player nationally by Rivals.com, 46th by Scout.com, 50th by Tom Lemming/CBS Sports, 74th by 247Sports and 175th by ESPN Second-team offensive lineman on MaxPreps 2013 All-America team Named to USA Today American Family Insurance All-USA New Jersey team for 2013. Played offensive line for Red Bank Catholic High School. Named to MSG Varsity all-New Jersey squad. Team finished 9-1 in 2013 and averaged 279 rushing yards and 43.5 points per game. Had 61 tackles and three sacks on defense. All-Northeast Region preseason pick for 2013. Named to MaxPreps Junior All-America 2012 second team Helped Red Bank Catholic to New Jersey state title game with 42 tackles and seven sacks while winning Newark Star-Ledger second-team all-state honors Helped Red Bank Catholic average 38 points and 341 yards per game on offense in 2012. Played in U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

Enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business, majoring in management consulting.

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2016