2012 NFL Draft Order: Why Indianapolis Colts Should Trade No. 1 Pick

Even though the Indianapolis Colts won the Andrew Luck Sweepstakes, they should definitely consider trading their pick.

In fact, I think it would behoove them to trade the pick.

Assuming Peyton Manning can play out the remainder of his contract, he would be worth keeping around. Also assuming that the Colts have no interest in keeping Luck and Manning, the Colts have two options.

Draft Luck, or trade away the pick.

Drafting Luck would be the popular choice. He's the can't-miss prospect. He's one of the most sure-thing players that have ever come out of college. While nothing is certain, Luck is just about a positive.

However, I think it would be better to trade the pick.

There are teams that would be willing to hand over multiple picks and players to get a shot at Luck. If the Colts held out for a good trade, they could spin this pick to help them win now.

The Colts were bad this year, but Manning would turn things around. They are built around him, and that became more than evident with him gone.

If they could trade and get an extra three draft picks plus a player, the Colts could still build for the future. Manning won't be around forever, but they should take advantage of what he can do while he can do it.

Manning's trade value is only so high because of his massive contract. There are only a handful of suitors for him, and they would probably not pay top dollar, because they know their leverage.

Plus, if the Colts traded the pick, they would be loyal to one of the greatest players of all-time. Manning is a great player, a good leader and a class act. He deserves better than to be thrown to the side.

From a business standpoint, the Colts might be thinking about the future, but they can win right now. If they keep Manning and trade the pick, they would be contenders next year.

And, at the end of the day, it's the right thing to do.