Following a 19-13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, a miserable for the Indianapolis Colts is mercifully over, but at least it has a happy ending. With a 2-14 record, and by virtue of having an easier strength of schedule, the Colts officially have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Indianapolis Colts secure No. 1 pick in 2012 NFL Draft
With that, Stanford junior quarterback Andrew Luck can start shopping for homes in the great Indianapolis area. Luck is the presumptive pick unless the Colts are offered a package of draft picks that is too good to be true. Luck is viewed by many as a once-a-decade franchise quarterback.
This is the fourth time since 1990 that the Colts have had the first pick in the draft. Most recently, in 1998, the team used the pick to select quarterback Peyton Manning. With Manning out this season with a neck injury, the Colts struggled, starting the season 0-13. If the Colts find that Manning still isn't healthy, the Colts can turn down a $28 million option bonus, making Manning an unrestricted free agent.
Manning told Phillip B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star after today’s game that he hasn’t “thought about it a whole lot,” in regard to the Colts drafting Luck.
“I think I can co-exist with any player I’ve ever played with,” Manning told Wilson.
In 1990, the Colts had the first quick and drafted another quarterback in Jeff George. Obviously he didn’t fare as well for the Colts as Manning and lasted only four seasons in Indianapolis. In 1992, the team used the first pick on defensive tackle Steve Emtman. That year, the Colts also had the second overall pick, choosing linebacker Quentin Coryatt.
After the 1 p.m. games finished, the top three picks in the draft were set: 1. Colts, 2. St. Louis Rams, 3. Minnesota Vikings.
For more on the Colts, make sure to check out Stampede Blue. Also make sure to check out this Indy Star story from Mike Chappell on the different issues the Colts face this offseason.
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