Andrew Luck: Best-Case Scenario for Colts Quarterback's Career

Andrew Luck will be the No. 1 overall pick of the 2012 NFL draft, as confirmed by Colts GM Ryan Grigson on Tuesday (via ESPN.com), and with that distinction comes a ton of expectations and pressure.

On top of the normal pressure of being a top pick, Luck is succeeding Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, and that won't be easy to do. Manning was one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to step onto a football field, and those are huge shoes to fill for a rookie QB.

While we can't expect him to be Manning overnight, there are certain things Luck can do to live up to his lofty expectations, like surpass the different career marks set by Manning in a Colts uniform.

Here is the best-case scenario for Luck's career with the Colts.

Luck Surpasses Manning's Consecutive Starts Streak

One thing that could never be questioned was Manning's ability to stay on the field, and at one point, it looked like he might challenge Brett Favre's consecutive starts streak.

Luck will need to enjoy the same success, as early injuries can instantly put doubt into the minds of fans everywhere that Luck might not be as durable as Peyton was.

Not to mention, keeping Luck on the field will not only improve his numbers overall, but it gives the Colts the best chance to be an elite team moving forward.

Every quarterback in the NFL has a goal of staying healthy, and a successful career means competing for your team consistently. That should be no different for Luck and the Colts.

Luck Wins Two Super Bowls

The Super Bowl eluded Manning and the Colts for several years when he was behind center, but that didn't last forever, as Manning helped bring a title back to Indy for his fans.

It's safe to say that one Super Bowl is often enough to consider a quarterback's career with a certain team a success, but the same might not hold true for Luck.

The amount of rings he collects will always be compared to that of Manning, and winning two will better Manning's accomplishments as a Colt.

That would be the difference between Luck being equal to Manning and surpassing his legacy.

Luck Is Among NFL's Elite Quarterbacks in History

Manning was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the entirety of his career in Indy. Multiple MVPs and gaudy numbers put the former Tennessee Volunteer in that category.

If Luck is as advertised, he'll have his crack at an MVP award and the opportunity to be called one of the best quarterbacks in the sport.

A great legacy often includes being the best at your position, and if Luck can have big year after big year, he will be in the same special class that his predecessor once was and could have the honor of being called one of the NFL's all-time greats.