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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Kevin Hickey

Colts’ Ryan Kelly, Quenton Nelson named best interior OL duo

For the fourth consecutive season, the Indianapolis Colts will boast a strong interior offensive line led by left guard Quenton Nelson and center Ryan Kelly.

While it remains to be seen how Danny Pinter slides into the starting role at right guard, the Colts can sleep well at night knowing they have the other two positions locked down.

As Bucky Brooks of NFL.com ranked the top duos at each position, Nelson and Kelly came in as the top interior offensive line duo.

The Colts are an ultra-physical offense behind the dirty work done by Kelly and Nelson at the point of attack. Kelly displays outstanding snap and punch quickness while shadowboxing with defensive tackles at the line of scrimmage. The 29-year-old veteran peppers opponents with jabs while also displaying the strength, balance and body control to anchor against power players. Nelson, 26, is a bully with heavy hands and a nasty demeanor. The three-time All-Pro pummels opponents in the running game but is also an exceptional blocker in pass protection. Nelson’s dominance at the line combined with Kelly’s consistent play have helped the Colts’ offense maintain its rock-solid status despite the recent revolving door at quarterback.

Nelson should be in line for a big extension and has been everything as advertised since being drafted as the No. 6 overall pick in 2018.

Kelly has been one of the best centers in the NFL since he was drafted in the first round of the 2016 draft but will be looking to show a bit more consistency from the 2021 season.

The Colts are hoping to get their offensive line back to its elite status in 2022, and it starts with these two setting the tone.


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