2012 NFL Draft Order: Taking Andrew Luck at No. 1 Is a Major Risk for the Colts

Whether it has been through Twitter or via interview, it is clear that Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has his sights set on QB Andrew Luck being the team's QB to follow Peyton Manning's legacy.

The question now becomes, is Irsay pulling the trigger too quickly by bringing in Andrew Luck with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft?

There's no question about it. Irsay not only ends a Manning era in Indy, but will tarnish this team's chances at contending in the NFL playoffs for the next two to three seasons.

NFL draft scouts, analysts and those around the game of football have put Andrew Luck on a pedestal well before the talent has taken a step onto the field.

It's true. His skill set is remarkable, and by the looks of it, Luck will be a solid starting QB in the NFL. His ability to throw accurately in the pocket and hit receivers perfectly in stride, and the solid numbers, give fans of the game reason to believe Luck will be a solid acquisition for the Colts.

Yet it would seem that Irsay does not wish to keep Manning with the team if the Colts draft Luck, as Manning will be awarded a significant $28 million bonus in March if he is not released.

Regardless of the potential that Luck has a QB in the league, Irsay has to be fully understanding of the fact that great QBs don't necessarily get off to the most promising of starts in the league.

Take Peyton Manning, for example. This is a player that started off losing games and throwing interceptions readily. His rookie year would be a season to forget, throwing just 26 touchdowns and a whopping 28 interceptions.

Luck has the makings to be a great QB in the league, yet these Colts still have the pieces to make a Super Bowl run and will need Peyton Manning to make that push.

Manning comes off a season which featured a career-high 4,700 yards and a career second-best 33 touchdowns. Despite the fact he's an aging veteran at the position, there have been no signs whatsoever of Manning hitting the breaks on his production.

Taking Luck for Manning is a risk that more than likely will have a team with a talented offense and solid defensive line heading downhill in a hurry. Regardless of the resume Luck brings to the table, the transition will take time and a major hit on the team's playoff contention in 2012.