2012 NFL Draft: Colts Grab Stanford's Andrew Luck, Could Coby Fleener Be Next?

Thursday night, as we all expected, the Colts made Stanford's Andrew Luck the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. The quarterback piece for Indianapolis has been settled, and now the focus turns to improving a roster that put the Colts dead last in the NFL in 2011.

Although the Colts have a lot of holes on their team, one sure-fire way to help make their new quarterback comfortable is to go after a little familiarity. Tight ends are a quarterback's best friend, and the Colts can take that mantra to a whole new level with the second pick of the second round Friday night.

Coby Fleener, the top-ranked tight end by many scouts, is still on the board heading into the second round of the draft. Yes, the Coby Fleener who caught 96 balls in four seasons for Stanford. Yes, the Coby Fleener who caught more touchdown passes from Andrew Luck than anyone else. The Colts have a chance to reunite the teammates in the NFL with their second-round pick, and that would be a major step towards helping Luck transition to the league.

The pick of Fleener is buoyed by his familiarity with Andrew Luck and the rapport the two young men have, but the kid from Lemont, Illinois stands just fine on his own. He's a 6'6", 247-pound big body who posted a 4.52 40-yard dash at the combine. He's a big, physical player who is going to be a size mismatch against a safety or a nickle and a speed mismatch for linebackers at the next level.

Throw in the fact that Dallas Clark was recently released by the Colts, and there most certainly is a need at the position. Fleener edges out guys like Dwayne Allen and Orson Charles for that top tight end spot, and the Colts have an opportunity to get a first-round talent for a second-round price. In recent years, the tight end spot has shown its importance, and getting a talent like Fleener would help the Colts expedite their return to respectability.

Andrew Luck to Coby Fleener is something college football fans have grown accustomed to hearing. With a smart pick, the Colts can carry that familiarity and production into the NFL.