Whether Colts or Rams Land Top Pick, They Must Trade the Rights to Andrew Luck

Long-time sportswriter and sportscaster Howard Balzer reported via Twitter today that sources have told him the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL draft could be worth six first-round picks in a trade.

While Balzer has had a long career in the business, the idea that a team would send six first-round picks in exchange for the opportunity to draft Andrew Luck is absolutely absurd.

That said, the top selection in the 2012 draft will be one of the most valuable picks in the history of the NFL. I do think a king's ransom of picks and players could change hands in exchange for the pick, but six first-rounders would be crazy.

No one is worth that, not even Luck.

Either the Indianapolis Colts or the St. Louis Rams will end up with the top pick in the draft. But neither team is in desperate need of a quarterback.

Both rosters have a ton of holes, and they could use those extra picks and players to build around the guys they already have in place.

If four-time MVP Peyton Manning proves he can return next season for the Colts, then there is no reason for the team to draft Luck. They should immediately start a bidding war for the pick and drive up the price.

The team desperately needs help all over the defense, as well as some offensive linemen.

They can't really afford to have both Manning and Luck on the roster at the same time when they have so many other holes.

Meanwhile the Rams need playmakers. St. Louis already has its franchise quarterback, as the team made Sam Bradford the No. 1 pick in the 2010 draft.

While Bradford struggled to stay healthy this season and had a down year, it is far too early to give up on him, and the Rams should turn their attention elsewhere in this year's draft.

The team needs offensive linemen badly, and Chris Long could use some help along the defensive line. There also isn't a single receiver on St. Louis' roster who scares opponents. Bradford might have had a much better season if he had someone to throw to who could consistently get open.

The Rams would obviously be trading the top pick in this year's draft if they end up with it. The Colts should also do the same.

Both franchises would be better off adding a ton of value to the roster, instead of just enriching one position.