2012 NFL Draft Projections: Trading Andrew Luck Will Better Serve the Colts

The Indianapolis Colts have now locked up the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, after finishing the season with a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Now, all the hype surrounding the draft has been focused on the Indianapolis Colts and the projected selection of Stanford QB Andrew Luck with the first selection in the NFL draft.

Taking Andrew Luck is not only a poor decision, but could potentially cost the Colts the next couple of seasons where the team can contend for a spot in the playoffs.

What tends to be forgotten when thinking about the Colts is the fact that they lost 14 games because of the absence of one player: future Hall-of-Fame QB Peyton Manning.

The argument for the selection of Luck with the first pick has become all the more interesting an argument with Manning coming back. The question then becomes: is it worth having two QBs worthy of starting jobs in the league on the same team? Absolutely not.

Sure, Manning could take the time to mentor Luck and help him develop while on the sidelines. However, the Colts could also go after strong secondary players or a running back to help boost their play in the starting lineup. 

Going after a strong player defensively, like CB Morris Claiborne of LSU or a top-notch running back in Trent Richardson from Alabama, might be stronger moves for this Colts team.

Despite the fact Manning is a veteran that has struggled to get back into playing mode after injury, he is also a player that has shown improved production. Two seasons ago, when last on the field, Manning threw for a career-best 4,700 yards and a career second-best 33 TDs.

Yes, these numbers came at age 34 in what currently stands as a 14-year career for arguably the most talented QB to grace the league.

Talk about impressive.

Considering their inability to play defense this season and the fact that Manning has only continued to improve in his production, there is no sense in keeping Luck for the future of this team.

With wide receiver Pierre Garcon and a solid offensive line, Manning will have the weapons necessary to make things happen with this football team.

There will be several chances to acquire QBs in the future, as this is a team that is easily talented enough to do damage next season.