2012 NFL Draft: Colts Must Draft Andrew Luck, Release Peyton Manning

Polian family, did you see that game?

I’m sure you did. You got the privilege of watching the greatest NFL prospect in recent memory throw for 347 yards, two touchdowns (he was 15-of-15 on those drives), as well as a rushing TD for good measure.

Think of him as the greatest player you will never have a hand in drafting.

Stanford did lose the Fiesta Bowl Monday night in overtime, but the blame can’t rest on the shoulders destined to launch touchdown passes in the NFL next year.

Now I will address the readers of this article. If you aren’t aware of the player I am talking about yet, crawl out from under the rock you have been living and allow me to introduce you to quarterback stud Andrew Luck.

The senior from Houston completed his career that has been picked apart by every football analyst possible in the loss to Oklahoma State. Had it not been for kicker Jordan Williamson and his inability to split the uprights at the end of regulation, Luck could be going out on top.

However, there isn’t a redo button when it comes to sports, only thoughts of “what could have been.”

Luck will never have the opportunity to step onto a college field again. However, he still has a lot of time to spend on a pro field, as he will be the most watched rookie in recent memory when the 2012 season begins.

Remember, as I’ve stated once already, there is no redo button when it comes to sports. Indianapolis, you better get this right, or prepare yourself for 10-plus years of “what could have been.”

The firing of both Bill and Chris Polian shocked the football world Monday, including QB Peyton Manning. It was scrutinized pretty heavily, considering they had a large part in a team with 11 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl win in 14 seasons.

I support the move strongly.

If you are the owner of an NFL franchise, and your front office establishes a team with 14 drafts that is extremely competitive, only to have that explode with the loss of a single player, heads need to roll. Sure, if Manning were healthy, the Colts would most likely be preparing for the playoffs, and all jobs would be more than safe.

There I go, talking about what could have been.

It’s time to face reality. The reality of the situation is, the Colts were the worst team to step on a field in 2011, and because of this they have the first overall selection.

There have been a few different opinions on what the Colts should do with this selection.

Trade the pick: Get a ton of value from a team that realizes what Luck is worth, revamp the roster with incoming players and picks in the trade, and prepare your QB, who will be 36 years old in Week 1 of 2012.

Draft Luck as a backup: Once again, have you been living under a rock? Luck isn’t a backup, he is already good enough to start on a variety of NFL teams. Sure, he may benefit from riding the bench (Aaron Rodgers), but why waste the first few years of what most believe will be a Pro Bowl career? Not to mention that if this is the decision from Indy, a record will be set by ESPN on how many times the word “coexist” is used when discussing the Colts QB situation.

Draft Luck, start Luck, send Manning packing: The scenario that makes so much sense, but is a lot more complicated than you’d think. Manning is 36 years and coming off neck surgery and is also considered one of the best in the game. Kind of like a pitcher in Major League Baseball, find a way get rid of him a year early rather than a year late.

That way is difficult financially.

The Colts will have to pick up Manning’s $28 million option before the start of the 2012 league year. If they trade him in 2012, they will face a salary cap charge of almost $39 million. Should they keep him for one year that charge drops down to just under $29 million.

Manning could decline payment of that option, which would make him much easier to move, or he could claim the Colts are his team (likely) and make it virtually impossible to remove him from Indy’s roster.

Regardless, General Manager X  has no choice but to have Andrew Luck’s name on the card handed to Roger Goodell in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Luck told ESPN after the Fiesta Bowl that “I’ll be happy wherever I land, I just want a chance to play professional football…It’s been a dream."

Concerning playing for the Colts, Luck said: “If that’s the situation, I am sure it would be great.  I’ll do the best I can.”

Deep down, both players expect to be starting Week 1.

The Colts just went 2-14, and it is time for a business decision to be made. There is a high chance that it could destroy over a decade old relationship, but Jim Irsay has to sit down with Manning and let him know his run in Indy has come to an end.

Peyton Manning needs to be released by the Colts and be given the opportunity to compete with another franchise.

Use the 2012 draft and the extra money you will have in free agency by not picking up Manning’s option to begin building a team that Andrew Luck can lead to the playoffs. It will be a lot sooner than most people think.

Sure, there is a chance Manning could light the league on fire like he has done in years past, and maybe even lead another franchise to a Super Bowl while Luck watches from a couch. But four, five years from now, those roles will switch, and Manning will not only be watching from a couch, but he will be contemplating retirement.

Luck, however, will be preparing for the prime of his career.

It’s better for the Colts to draft Luck now and get the ball rolling on the next chapter of the franchise rather than sticking with Manning or trading away the No. 1 pick.

After all, Indy would hate to watch Andrew Luck leading another team in the playoffs for years to come as it sits at home and wonders what could have been.

Follow Brandon Wheeland on Twitter @BrandonWheeland