While the Colts endured a disappointing season collectively, Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner remained key league standouts individually.
According to ESPN Analytics’ Seth Walder (subscription), the Indianapolis Colts have two players ranked among his ‘Top 100 real NFL MVP Candidates’ of the 2024 season—as both All-Pro offensive guard Quenton Nelson (59th) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (73rd) made the advanced statistical cut:
59. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts
There’s often an assumption that once offensive linemen are considered good, they’re permanently treated as such. But like any other position, great offensive linemen can have down games or seasons. Nelson started his career with three consecutive first-team All-Pro selections, but his pass protection rates slipped in 2022 and 2023 to below average and close to average, respectively.
The old Nelson returned in 2024. His 94% pass block win rate ranked seventh-best at the position, while his 77% run block win rate was third. He was clearly the best guard in football.
73. DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts
Both standouts were among the few bright spots individually during what was otherwise a disappointing 2024 season for the Colts—in which Indianapolis failed to make the playoffs yet again (which they haven’t done since 2020), let alone win an elusive division title (which hasn’t happened for the franchise since the 2014 season ended respectively).
During all 17 starts, Nelson earned a +81.3 overall grade (via PFF), which was the 4th best among all offensive guards. Specifically, in 608 total pass blocking snaps, Big Q allowed just 3.0 sacks and 20 total QB pressures. In run blocking, his +79.7 grade helped pave the way for star workhorse Jonathan Taylor to rush for over 1,400 yards and 10+ touchdowns.
Despite every other Colts starting offensive lineman missing time, Nelson was the lone catalyst in every start, helping to anchor Indy’s interior line once again.
Meanwhile, Buckner recorded 6.5 sacks, 35 total QB pressures, 61 total tackles (24 solo), 8 tackles for loss, and a pass defensed during 12 games (11 starts). He was PFF’s 7th highest graded interior defender with a +81.9 overall grade—featuring a +77.1 pass rushing grade.
