2012 NFL Mock Draft: Assessing the Top Andrew Luck Candidates

It is widely believed that Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck will declare for the 2012 NFL draft following his redshirt junior season, and he's considered the best quarterback prospect to come out since Peyton Manning in 1998.

With the NFL shifting more and more towards an aerially-dominated league, it's paramount now to have a franchise quarterback. The place to find one is almost always the NFL draft. Based on four weeks in the 2011 NFL season, these are the teams with the best chance to hypothetically land the first pick and a chance to take Luck.

Denver Broncos (1-3)

It's more than likely that Denver will win enough games in 2011 to stay out of the top 5 picks, so chances are they won't have the option to take Luck. But what if they did have that opportunity? Wouldn't John Elway make a heavy push to take a quarterback of Luck's skill who is from his alma mater? That's just what the Broncos need in Denver. However, another quarterback would add to the already controversial mix. 

Seattle Seahawks (1-3)

Tarvaris Jackson isn't the short-term or long-term answer at quarterback, and the Seahawks need to establish a plan at that position to get back on track. Luck would be perfect for Seattle, but would Pete Carrol last the season if the Seahawks lost enough games to be in the Luck lottery? That would be interesting to watch. Don't you think there would be some coaches who would take a long look at the Seahawks job if Luck was on board?

Kansas City Chiefs (1-3)

Matt Cassel is there, and the Chiefs spent money and draft picks on him, but they'd at least have to think about Luck. He's a once-in-a-lifetime prospect, and he'd possibly outplay Cassel in his rookie season.   

Miami Dolphins (0-4)

A franchise that hasn't had a stable quarterback since Dan Marino would welcome Luck to Miami with open arms. They look like they have a real shot at getting him, too, as head coach Tony Sparano is on the hot seat and might not last the year.  

Indianapolis Colts (0-4)

Can you imagine if the Colts went from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck at the quarterback position? It's a long shot, especially since I think the Colts will rebound from their tough start. But without a long-term answer at quarterback for Indianapolis, Luck would be a tough guy to pass up. 

St. Louis Rams (0-4)

2011 looks like a lost season for St. Louis, but they've already invested a No. 1 pick in a quarterback with Sam Bradford. They'd be looking to get him some offensive help, not add a guy to the positional mix. 

Minnesota Vikings (0-4)

This would be really interesting if the Vikings landed the No. 1 pick. Sure, they used a first-round selection on Christian Ponder in April. But could you really say no to Luck, who is a sure-fire prospect? The Vikings will likely get a chance to see what Ponder has later in the season, as Donovan McNabb looks as good as finished.