Los Angeles Chargers: Five-year history of the sixth pick in the NFL Draft

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 03: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Indianapolis Colts in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 3, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 03: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Indianapolis Colts in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 3, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers /

2018: Qauenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

If the Los Angeles Chargers could get an offensive lineman as good as Quenton Nelson with the sixth-overall pick then fans would be jumping with joy. Nelson is not only an exceptional NFL lineman already, but he is the future of the position and has a really good shot of being the best lineman of the upcoming decade.

This is not a surprise, either, as Nelson was very highly touted heading into the draft as one of the most advanced interior lineman in quite some time. That is why when the Indianapolis Colts traded from the third pick to the sixth pick, got draft capital and got Nelson it was considered a huge win.

Nelson has not only been a Pro Bowler in his first two seasons as a professional but has been an All-Pro as well. Nelson is the real deal and is a huge component of the Colts offensive line that could lure Philip Rivers to Indy.

It is hard to criticize this pick in any way, shape or form as the Colts drafted the best player in the entire 2018 NFL Draft thus far in their two-year careers. There are bigger names on the list, such as Baker Mayfield and Saquon Barkley, but no player has had the success that Nelson has had.

In fact, Nelson has the highest Pro-Football-Reference Approximate Value among offensive linemen through their first two seasons, ever. There was more talent still on the board, but nothing close to Nelson.

Could have selected: