5 NFL Quarterbacks Stanford's Andrew Luck Reminds Us Of

Next spring, Andrew Luck will be the No. 1 prospect in the NFL draft.

That's a given.

Already, comparisons are flooding the rumor mills. How will Luck fare in the NFL? Can he make the transition from college to professional football? Will he be a Peyton Manning or a Matt Leinart?

Click "Begin Slideshow" to see who Luck will stack up against.

Luck Is Like...Peyton Manning

The sheer athleticism. His ability to lead. That "aw, shucks" attitude.

Andrew Luck is the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning.

In fact, he could even be better.

Luck is already leading his offense. He has a level head, and he can read the field remarkably. His football IQ is extraordinary, and he uses that cerebral knowledge to the Cardinal's advantage.

Luck knows exactly the reason each play is being called, and he loves a good no-huddle offense.

Sound familiar?

Luck Is Like...Aaron Rodgers

While the majority of fans will lean toward Manning, one can't help but look at Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers. 

There are some differences, yes. Rodgers tends to hold onto the ball a little longer than Luck. Rodgers takes more sacks then Luck. 

However, Luck and Rodgers both have a little-known secret: mobility.

Obviously, we are not talking about Michael Vick, freak of nature mobility. But in 2010, Luck rushed for almost 450 yards. He averaged 8.2 yards per carry.

Considering the style of offense Stanford uses, it's pretty impressive.

Rodgers is the same way. He'll never be known as a ball carrier, but he isn't afraid to go for the first down. He ran for 350 yards in 2010, and average five yards per carry.

Luck Is Like...Ben Roethlisberger

Well, maybe not as much Roethlisberger this season.

Luck, though, has the ability to make plays. Most notably, he can keep the play alive.

Granted, the two quarterbacks have a very different offense. Luck is more structured, whereas Roethlisberger is good at averting pressure. However, both players can see downfield and make a play that changes the momentum in a game.

Luck has even stated that he admires Roethlisberger. "I've always tried to emulate how Ben Roethlisberger keeps plays alive, moves around the pocket, keeps his head up.

Roethlisberger, especially, keeping plays alive when they break down, and not making bad decisions, keeping his offense in a good spot," Luck told the San Fransisco Gate.

Luck Is Like...Sam Bradford

One word: Franchise.

During Sam Bradford's 2008 season, he put up impressive numbers. A 68 percent completion rating, 180 quarterback rating, and only eight interceptions.

During Andrew Luck's 2010 season, he also put up impressive numbers: A 70 percent completion rating, a 170 quarterback rating, and only eight interceptions.

Bradford's not a star quite just yet, but he is on his way. He already carries the characteristics of a franchise quarterback, with his personality and charm. Luck is the same way.  

Luck Is Like...Matt Leinart

The year is 2006. Matt Leinart, start quarterback for USC, is anxiously waiting to be drafted.

Ten picks later, he finally went.

Leinart's jersey was retired at USC. He holds the school's record for most touchdown passes and completion percentage.

So where he is now?

On the sidelines, behind Matt Schaub.

Leinart had a great deep pass; there is no denying it. He could roll out when necessary, and he was a leader.

The problem lies in Leinart's mid-range passing. Sometimes he throws a little too high, and those floaters get away. Luck has the same problem. This was more noticeable last season.

Luck brings a lot more to the table, don't get me wrong. But everyone was ready to Leinart to set the world on fire. 

And now he sits behind Matt Schaub.