2012 NFL Mock Draft: Why the Colts Are a Lock for Andrew Luck Sweepstakes

The Indianapolis Colts almost beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The near victory being savored by Colts' fans illustrates how far the proud team has fallen. Chin up, Andrew Luck is on deck to save the franchise. 

The Indianapolis Colts lead in just one NFL race currently, the race to lock up the presumptive overall No. 1 draft pick in 2012, Andrew Luck. 

After a wild Week 3, we have a few teams that are laying claim to football's ultimate prize in next year's draft. It is still very early in the season, many teams will fall back in the standings, and others will hit their stride. 

As of right now, here are the front runners to land the No. 1 overall pick next year: Rams, Vikings, Dolphins, Colts and Chiefs. 

Each one of those teams are 0-3 heading into a pivotal Week 4. Right off the bat, we can eliminate some clubs from the discussion. 

The Rams are a better team than they have shown. Their youth and injuries have gotten the better of them. But even if they lose the rest of the season, they have their QB in Sam Bradford. 

The Chiefs are of the same mind, as they are quite content with Matt Cassel despite a shaky early season. Kansas City could use that draft pick elsewhere. 

The Vikings desperately need a quarterback, but already used a 12th overall selection on Christian Ponder. It would be a waste to draft another arm for the stable. 

That leaves the Dolphins and Colts in a neck and neck race for the best quarterback in the nation. The Colts showed that they can have a dynamic defense behind Dwight Freeney. We have to remember that the Steelers' one glaring weakness this year has been on the offensive line. 

We are not going to see that same sort of ineptitude face the Colts all year. I still have the Dolphins as an overall better club. 

Their offense has put up great numbers to no avail. Looking deep into the season, the Dolphins are simply going to notch more wins. 

The Colts are nowhere near the same team without Peyton Manning. Judging by owner Jim Irsay, the team will be without him until December—at the earliest. 

The doldrums the Colts are in, is going to continue until the holidays. But it's not all bad. They get the best gift in the NFL, Andrew Luck.