Peyton Manning: 5 Ways His Release Affects 2012 NFL Draft

By far, the biggest sports story of the week is four-time MVP Peyton Manning's release from the Indianapolis Colts.

With two marquee quarterbacks available in the draft, and now one of the best of all-time up for grabs, things will get increasingly interesting from now until draft day.

Here are the five biggest ways Manning's release from the Colts will affect the 2012 NFL draft.

Fewer Teams Interested in Trading for Robert Girffin, III

The St. Louis Rams have openly disclosed their interest in trading the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, as they chose quarterback Sam Bradford first overall in 2010.

Now that Manning is available, he's the number one priority for teams in need of a quarterback. 

Robert Griffin III will still be a hot commodity, but his potential trade value may not be as high with Manning on the market.

Decreased Draft Stock for QBs Not Named Luck or Griffin

Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will still go first and second, respectively, in April's draft, but the next tier of QBs such as Ryan Tannehill, Brock Osweiler and Kirk Cousins could fall into the second and third rounds. 

The team that signs Manning will likely be one with a top-15 draft pick, and the aforementioned quarterbacks almost certainly won't be selected that high, meaning their projected draft position will fall.

Less Bargaining Power for Rams

The St. Louis Rams can no longer demand three first-round draft picks in exchange for the presumable rights to Robert Griffin, as he's no longer the most valuable QB up for grabs (technically Andrew Luck is up for grabs, but the Colts aren't trading their pick).

The second overall pick will likely still be moved, but the asking price will have to come down just a bit. 

Shake Up in Draft Order

Draft day trades happen every year, but Peyton Manning's availability should create more position based trades than ever before.

As I mentioned earlier, a team with a top-15 pick will likely pick up Manning, meaning whichever team he signs with may not have a need which can't be fulfilled through a later draft pick or free agency.

Increased Coverage for Colts, Peyton's New Team

The NFL draft always garners huge TV ratings, and this year shouldn't be any different. Except that the Colts and Manning's new team will receive a majority of media attention.

And it may be well-deserved.

Indianapolis not only has the first overall pick and will select a potential superstar quarterback, but they also just released one of the greatest QBs football has ever seen.

Whichever team Peyton Manning signs with will also be heavily interviewed throughout the day, as many will be curious to see who that team selects to complement their new quarterback.