NFL Draft 2012: Is Andrew Luck Really the Answer for the Indianapolis Colts?

It has been a foregone conclusion for well over a year that Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck would be the top pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Now that the Indianapolis Colts have that selection and seem intent on releasing four-time MVP quarterback Peyton Manning, it's time to examine whether or not Luck is actually the answer for the Colts.

I'm not a guy who typically buys into the hype surrounding players, especially when they've never played a down of professional football. But, for once, a guy has me convinced.

If Indianapolis does indeed decide to cut Manning loose—which I think is the wrong move by the way—the team needs to select Luck and surround him with as much talent as possible.

I still believe Indianapolis' best bet would be to retain Manning and trade the top pick for a wealth of picks and players in return. I believe the team could compete now with several upgrades and an influx of young talent. 

But if the Colts have already decided to cast Manning loose, then they can't go wrong with Luck. 

At 6'4" and 235 pounds, the Stanford signal caller has prototypical height and is actually extremely mobile for his size. While he doesn't possess a Ryan Mallett-like cannon, he has great arm strength and can make all the throws. More importantly, he knows how to change velocities on passes to fit them into certain spots and has fantastic touch.

His accuracy and understanding of when and how to throw the ball are as good as I've seen in a quarterback leaving college in a very long time. 

In addition to all of that, he is a very smart kid and is driven and coachable. He is a leader on and off the field and has three years of starting experience in a very competitive Pac-10 (and Pac-12) conference.

If the Colts are going to let Manning go, then Luck has to be their pick at the top of the draft. There is absolutely no question about it.