Colts trade away 2 top players before matchup v. Jaguars

The Indianapolis Colts have traded away two of their top players ahead of Sunday’s Week 8 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, signaling the start of a rebuild after firing GM Chris Ballard. The Colts sent left guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday. Nelson, a sixth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, is an eight-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro. The article notes his rankings in PFF metrics, including third among guards in pass-blocking efficiency and seventh in run-blocking grade. Buckner, a two-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro, is described as ranking 15th among defensive tackles in pressures this season. Their departure leaves major roles to be filled, with Jalen Farmer, a rookie fourth-round pick, potentially stepping in at guard and Adetomiwa Adebawore taking the starting defensive tackle spot.