The problem with the Indianapolis Colts runs much deeper than Peyton Manning not playing. Because of that, the Colts shouldn't take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck if they have the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
It's true that the future of Manning is the great unknown. It's also true that even if he comes back healthy that he'll be 36 in March. But what if he comes back from his neck injury perfectly healthy? Let's say that's the case and he can play three more years. After all, it's not unfounded to see a truly great quarterback play that long.
If Manning plays three more seasons, Indianapolis may not get to see much of Luck. Under the new rookie wage scale, each of the top 10 picks in the first round signed a four-year contract with a fifth-year team option. The same would happen for Luck.
Why the Indianapolis Colts shouldn’t draft Andrew Luck
Right now, the Colts roster is thin on talent. Defensive ends
and
, wide receiver
and tight end
are massive talents, but the roster doesn’t have as much below the surface.
Namely, the Colts need more playmakers on defense and Luck won’t be lining up at defensive tackle anytime soon. He won’t be filling in for an aging
at middle linebacker and he won’t be dropping back in pass coverage either.
The 2012 NFL Draft is expected to be filled with good players who can play in the back seven of the defense. With extra picks, talented players could be added to bolster the offense. The offensive line could use some help as well, but the Colts could have salary cap space with Mathis and Wayne in their contract years.
By passing on Luck and reloading with more pieces of the roster, it would also give new vice president and general manager Chris Polian the chance to put his imprint on the team. While the Stanford quarterback would turn around the Colts’ trend of questionable first-round picks, maybe Polian doesn’t want to try and fate Luck. (See what I did there? Yuck, yuck, yuck)
