NFL Combine 2012: Why Andrew Luck Will Make Mike Mayock Eat His Words

Football analysis wouldn't be what it is today without disagreement. Whether it be the almighty difference from "elite" to "great", "above average" to "average" or first to third round picks, there is always something to be argued.

Heck, arguing football can be as fun as watching it sometimes.

One particular player who hasn't heard much argued against him is Stanford's Andrew Luck. A few people here and there have come out of the woodwork to say they don't buy into all the hype, but for two years running, he's been at the top of most everyone's draft board.

He's the consensus No. 1 pick and it would be astonishing if he wasn't selected by the Indianapolis Colts.

NFL Network's Mike Mayock doesn't disagree. He has Luck at No. 1 on his draft board, but he doesn't believe he's a "once in a lifetime" prospect, according to Pro Football Talk.

In fact, Mayock doesn't believe there is as much of a gap between Luck and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III as others have promoted (via PFT):

"

Mayock compared Luck’s talent level more to someone like Sam Bradford ... In terms of pure talent. Mayock said Luck isn’t quite at Peyton Manning’s level.  He wouldn’t necessarily expect Luck to suddenly become Manning or Tom Brady.

Mayock also said on a conference call Wednesday that he loves “everything” about Robert Griffin III, calling the Heisman Trophy winner one of the most exciting players in the last few drafts. He thought the Browns would be well served to look at trading up for Griffin.

"

Nothing happens overnight in the NFL, especially at the quarterback position so "suddenly" expecting Luck to become one of the two best quarterbacks the league has ever seen is ridiculous. Peyton went 3-13 in his rookie season and Brady didn't take the field until his second season.

But those comparison's aside, Mayock's glowing analysis of Robert Griffin III makes for an interesting debate.

If he doesn't believe Luck is up to the hype, but "loves" everything about RG3, that would indicate that the gap between the two is small at best.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but Luck, even with an inferior team (and the Colts will be inferior next year) will be better than RG3 regardless of where he goes.

There hasn't been a quarterback prospect like Luck since another Stanford quarterback entered the league, John Elway. Even when Peyton entered the league he wasn't considered the consensus No. 1, in fact, there were several teams more interested in Ryan Leaf.

That hasn't been the case with Luck and there is a reason he's been the No. 1 prospect for two years running. There is a reason why Stanford only lost three games over the last two years and it starts and ends with Andrew Luck.

Sooner than later Mayock will realize that Luck is not only the real deal, but that is a once in a lifetime prospect.