2012 NFL Draft: Manning's Neck, Luck's Arm, Irsay's Tweets; an NFL's Soap Opera

For those who would be National Football League scribes, but lack the time-in-service credentials, what is happening in the realm of the Indianapolis Colts is a splendid place to learn how to wet one's beak.

Peyton Manning and his surgically repaired isthmus, the future of Andrew Luck and the sunbeams shining bright from his strong, young arm and Jim Irsay's Twitter addiction are a rich mix of topics.

Indeed, one only needs an ample stock of verbs and adjectives at desk side and the stories will flow like wine at a Super Bowl bacchanal.

Allow me a few suggestions to stir the pot:

The "Will Peyton Ever Play Again?" story. First, secure a picture of the middle Manning sibling glowering. Or at least looking extremely serious. Rephrase the question in the lead.

Follow with a recitation of the medical procedures Manning has been through. Repeat what surgeons who have never seen Manning's medical file opine about what he might be going through. Talk about arm strength, making various throws and accuracy.

Toss in a mention of the $28 million the Colts will owe him if he's still sporting the Blue Horseshoe when training camp opens. Mention what he has meant to the franchise. Stir, let it simmer in your head for one hour and submit to you editor.

A variation would show a picture of Manning in his heyday—perhaps holding the Lombardi Trophy—and stuff the middle of the tome full of stats. Talk about his courage. Mention the fire still burns in his belly. Toss in a reminder that brother Eli now has two Super Bowl wins. The brother that was supposed to toil in Peyton's shadow.

Need something fast? Look at a list of NFL teams and talk about which ones would welcome Manning as a free agent if he is set free. Talk about which ones are a QB away from being a contender. Microwave for two minutes and serve hot.

Want to put a new flavor into an old recipe? Use any of the above stories, but lead with how much sources indicate the Colts are without a doubt going to draft Andrew Luck with the first pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

Use a picture of Luck practicing, so his youth is readily apparent. Ask: Would Luck replace Manning or be mentored by Manning? Toss in comparisons between the two. Make sure to mention what a circumspect young man Luck is being about this whole thing.

Or take the above and talk about whether the Colts should trade the pick, who they might trade for and why. Or ask why draft Luck—what about Robert Griffin III instead? Put their pictures side-by-side. Trot out the old Peyton Manning vs. Ryan leaf story from the draft of yore.

Use the Leaf reference to launch into a recitation of quarterbacks drafted No. 1 that busted. The enterprising will talk about the undrafted QB success stories and toss in a gratuitous mention of New York Knicks darling-of-the-month Jeremy Lin.

At this point you should be able to follow Jim Irsay on Twitter and not need my help. If you can't use a tweet of his and the above into some sort of mashup then you are akin to the "Top Chef" contestant who cannot boil water.

Best of luck my young colleagues; we'll be watching.