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2018 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five offensive linemen

By Maxwell Ogden

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey (L) and Quenton Nelson look on during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey (L) and Quenton Nelson look on during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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I’m not sure there has been a bigger gap between prospects at a position than the divide that separates Quenton Nelson and the other offensive linemen in this class. He’s not only the lone offensive lineman with a top-15 grade, but the No. 2 overall player in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Nelson can be a legitimate franchise cornerstone, and if evaluators can get over the fact he’s a guard, he’ll be drafted as high as he should be.

Nelson can step in and solidify a rushing attack or help provide invaluable pass protection. He can hold his own against interior linemen who try to overwhelm him with power or anticipate the actions of the more athletic defenders who try to beat him with speed.

Between his fundamentals and his physical abilities, Nelson has everything that a coach or scout could possibly want in an offensive lineman.

Nelson could go as early as No. 2 to the New York Giants, although he’s likely to slide due to his position. The Indianapolis Colts at No. 6 should be as far as he goes, however, as Nelson has all of the tools to be a solidifying force.

Guard may not be the most glamorous of positions, but finding a player who can start and star at the position for the next decade is realistic here.

Must Read: Ranking the top five tight ends in the 2018 NFL Draft

The question is: Who will end up being the first offensive lineman to come off the board come the 2018 NFL Draft?

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