Rumored Third Peyton Manning Procedure Is Bad News for Seattle Seahawks Draft

Fans of the Seattle Seahawks wouldn't have equated the Peyton Manning-led Indianapolis Colts as one of the teams in their way of landing a franchise quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Rumblings are coming out of Indianapolis that makes this a very real threat, though.  In my 2011 NFL Mock Draft I had the Colts selecting a quarterback of the future.  When that didn't happen, it made sense for them to grab a quarterback in free agency that had some NFL starting experience.  

That didn't happen, either.  When it became clear that at least part of Manning's season was in jeopardy, they went knocking on Kerry Collins' door.  He was a bit quicker to "un-retire" than was Brett Favre, but the Colt season now hangs on his shoulders.

Now there is a chance Manning may not play at all in 2011.  Sources close to the team are saying Manning has had a third procedure performed, this one on his lower back.

Most fans recognize that Manning is the glue that holds the Colts together.  When their offensive line has struggled, Manning has been able to make reads and dispense the ball quicker than any other quarterback in the NFL.  He makes the entire team better, offense and defense.

When the Colts struggle through a difficult season without Manning, Jim Irsay will finally realize the need to address the future at quarterback.  Some analysts have commented that Manning's career could actually be over, heightening their need to draft the future at the position.

The Colts could very likely end up in front of Seattle in the 2012 NFL Draft.  The Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos may all draft quarterbacks, along with whomever ends up with the top pick in the draft (Cincinnati Bengals).

Adding the Colts toward the top of the draft will add even more pressure on draft positioning to get one of the top quarterbacks.

The Seahawks could see an amazing amount of improvement from Tarvaris Jackson or Josh Portis this season, eliminating the need to draft a quarterback in April. 

The most reasonable scenario is Seattle ending up around pick 10 or 12.  There are three to four other teams that figure to be jockeying for draft position to draft a quarterback.  The Colts will most certainly look to enter the mix now.  

Seattle now needs to be prepared to part with their first and second round picks from 2012 and 2013 to get into position to draft Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley or Landry Jones.  It might take an early selection in 2014 as well.