Chicago Bears Draft: Pros and cons of Quenton Nelson at no. 8

Pros

Instant starter

Obviously, picking a guy inside the top-10 means you want a day-one starter. Nelson gives you that, without question. He is the most polished prospect at the guard position in several years, so there’s no need to worry about competition in training camp. It will be Kyle Long and Nelson at the guard spots — period.

Helps the quarterback

I can guarantee you this: Mitch Trubisky will be happy with the pick. Anytime you invest in the well-being of your young quarterback, he’ll benefit greatly. A stout offensive line typically means much quicker development for a quarterback in the early stage of his career. It is clear Pace wants to surround Trubisky with as much help as possible to put him on a fast track, and Nelson is yet another piece in that puzzle if drafted.

Helps the running game

The second-most thrilled would be Jordan Howard, hands down. Howard knows that his production just went up a notch immediately after knowing Nelson was a Bear. While Nelson is great in both pass and run-blocking, he’s been the nastiest on tape in the run game. Howard is a top-tier back in this league, and he would only get better behind a guy like Nelson.

Projected 10-year player if healthy

It’s not every day you come across a guy who the majority of experts have pegged as a “10-year starter and future All-Pro.” It sounds crazy labeling a college prospect with such high expectations, but Nelson is as close to a sure thing in the NFL at his position as there ever has been. If he stays healthy, chances are he gives the Bears a decade of dominance on the line, and that’s something worth signing up for.