NFL Draft: Could Andrew Luck End Up Being a Bust for the Indianapolis Colts?

Could Andrew Luck hold the possibility of being a bust in the NFL?

With ESPN’s constant coverage of all things involving next week’s draft, I have seen them cover just about every scenario virtually possible involving the QB situation of teams in need.

When Adam Schefter “broke” the news that Jim Irsay and the Indianapolis Colts announced that they would be selecting the former Stanford star with the first overall pick, what we all were virtually positive of became certainty.

But, why select Andrew Luck over other prospects such as Robert Griffin III, Brandon Weeden or Ryan Tannehill?

Griffin is much more mobile in the pocket and has track-star speed. He breaks the stereotype that fast quarterbacks aren’t durable, as he has displayed toughness throughout his entire career at Baylor. He boasts large amounts of confidence and has a pretty impressive arm as well.

Brandon Weeden defeated Andrew Luck in last year’s college bowl season, outshining Luck during the Fiesta Bowl. After watching in recent years the success of Favre and Manning, don’t try and say that 28 is too old to play in the league. He is durable and possesses the ability to stay healthy and productive for eight to ten years.

Then, there is Ryan Tannehill. I’ve scouted Tannehill more than any other QB in the entire draft this year. While I think he could find success in the right type of situation, I am not sure why he just randomly jumped to the top of every team’s wish list. I would take Weeden over Tannehill because he is more proven. That being said, even if you miss on the former A&M star as a QB, you still have a pretty talented WR (he played WR until his Junior year).

If you miss with Luck, no pun intended, but you are out of Luck. There is no second option for him.

I’m not saying that Luck will be a Ryan Leaf or a Jamarcus Russell (I hope), but the possibility is there. Look at the challenges the media and fans have already set up for him before he is even drafted.

What happens if he throws 14 TD’s, throws 10 INT’s and only racks up 2,000 passing yards? This guy is supposed to be the most NFL-ready prospect in history. He is suppose to be the second coming of Elway. Shouldn’t he be able to fix the team in one year?

How will Peyton Manning’s shadow affect the rookie? What happens if the Colts don’t make the playoffs over the duration of Luck’s entire rookie contract? Will Indy fans kick him to the curb?

Better yet, what happens if he is a solid QB who never wins a Super Bowl? What if he doesn’t make the Hall of Fame.

My point is this; we have put this guy on the highest pedestal that I have ever seen in my years of watching and analyzing the NFL Drafts.

I can’t predict what he will do as far as success. But neither can Mel Kiper, or Todd McShay or even you reading this.

In my opinion, unless this kid leads the Colts to early success during rebuilding followed by Super Bowl runs (not wins, but they must be competitive in January) for the next seven or eight years, I may view Andrew Luck as somewhat of a bust.

I suppose that’s what 2012 media will do to a guy.

Follow Brandon Wheeland on Twitter @BrandonWheeland for the perfect mixture of sports news, analysis and satire.