On-field workouts at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine will get underway on Friday, but the first group of arrivals — offensive linemen, special teamers and running backs — are taking part in the bench press on Thursday. Quenton Nelson is perhaps the biggest name on the offensive line, and as a guard, he’s of particular interest to the San Francisco 49ers.
Nelson killed it in the bench press, putting up 35 reps of 225 pounds. That ties the highest number from 2017, and as the bench is one of the most important things for offensive linemen at the combine, solidifies his spot at the top of the draft. I doubt a poor showing in the bench would have hurt him too bad, though.
I’m assuming that the 49ers will meet with him, but that has not been confirmed. As of this writing, it’s only been reported that Nelson has met with the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers. Interestingly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers posted video of Nelson’s 35 reps, which is of particular note because he is most frequently mocked to them at No. 7 overall.
G Quenton Nelson is an absolute monster with THIRTY FIVE reps of 225
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) March 1, 2018
Don’t miss the #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork March 2 - 5 pic.twitter.com/JeD0uXCvun
In addition to his strong bench performance, he also made it clear that he’s going to play hard. He was swarmed by the media, and one of the things he said was pretty dang good.
“My opponents, I want to dominate them and take their will away to play the game,” Nelson said, via Chase Goodbread. “I do consider myself a nasty player.”
I love this guy. The chances he makes it to No. 9 appear slim, but who knows?