2012 NFL Mock Draft: The Latest Look at the Andrew Luck Sweepstakes

The only thing we really know for sure right now is that the Indianapolis Colts are running away with the "Suck For Luck" sweepstakes.

Now, obviously it's not set in stone just yet and because the NFL draft is such an inexact science, anything can happen before, during and after.

Additionally, there are other teams that could use a QB like Andrew Luck, and although they're a few steps behind the Colts, the sweepstakes aren't over just yet.

Indianapolis Colts (0-12)

Okay, so here's the Colts.

In one of the most complex offensive systems, the QB is by far the most important player. With Peyton Manning out, it's no surprise that anyone else under center in Circle City hasn't figured it out.

What made Manning great is that he made everyone else around him a solid receiving target, which, in turn, made the running game more effective.

Andrew Luck is doing the same thing at Stanford.

Heading into the 2011 season Luck was without two of his most reliable receiving targets (Doug Baldwin and Ryan Whalen), who are now in the NFL. Needless to say, however, Luck and the Cardinal went 12-1 with them in 2010 and are likely to finish 2011 at 12-1 without them.

In Indianapolis, regardless of what happens with Manning, Luck is the perfect fit to a fresh start and a promising future.

Miami Dolphins (4-8)

The concern with the Dolphins is how much they believe in Matt Moore.

He's certainly making himself a marketable candidate to be the 2012 starter—if not in Miami, then elsewhere. Moore's having a great season, and since taking over for the injured Chad Henne, the Dolphins have won four games and lost three others by a TD or less.

Give Moore another receiving weapon and he could be dangerous, but at the same time he has yet to start a full NFL season.

In addition, when training camp 2012 rolls around, he'll need some competition to get better.

Andrew Luck is that guy, because regardless of what the situation is with Henne, it's clear that Moore should continue being the starter. As for Luck, if the Dolphins can make an appealing enough of a trade to get him over Indy, he and Moore will make each other that much better.

What's also good here is that someone, somewhere will want Moore if he wants out. Much like Tebow in Denver, you have to expect Miami fans to be calling for Luck if the Dolphins start out slow.

It's not so much that Miami needs a QB right now, but it's more so how much they believe in Moore.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-8)

Although Josh Freeman had an excellent 2010 season, he's definitely pulled an 180-degree turn in 2011.

That being said, he remains the starter because his only competition is backup Josh Johnson.

So, even if the Bucs don't make a move for Andrew Luck and if they draft a QB at anytime during the 2012 NFL Draft, that rookie will most likely be Freeman's new competition.

As for making a move to get Luck, Tampa Bay would also need to make the Colts an appealing deal.

Regardless, Luck would be a good fit for Tampa Bay because, much like Miami, he'll either make Josh Freeman better, or he'll eventually win then starting job, thereby shipping Freeman elsewhere.

Tampa's offense has no receiving weapons, and it's clearly had an effect on Freeman's production. If he's considered to be a much better NFL QB than this season's numbers indicate (12 TDs, 16 INTs, two fumbles), then Freeman should be making everyone else better, right?

Well, that hasn't happened this season, and obviously the Bucs' defense hasn't done much to help either. That said, figuring out a move to snag Luck isn't the worst of ideas in Tampa Bay since they're clearly in need of improving in every aspect of the game.

But if that doesn't happen, don't be surprised if the Buccaneers draft a QB in the middle or later rounds.

Seattle Seahawks (5-7)

Much thanks to an improving defense is why Seattle is 5-7 right now and winners of 3-of-4.

And although QB Tarvaris Jackson is having a marketable season, is he really the future in Seattle? Surely some teams needing a QB will be interested if the Seahawks want to go in another direction.

To that end, can you imagine the fan base in The Great Northwest with Andrew Luck under center? Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, and Washington State fans everywhere would be relieved to finally have Luck (no pun intended) on their side.

Now include an offensive genius in Pete Carroll and Luck is a great fit for the Seahawks. What's also appealing is that his former college teammate Doug Baldwin, is arguably the best WR in Seattle right now.

Therefore it's a multi-win situation. The question needed to be addressed before however, is how Seattle can propose a deal attractive enough to steal him from Indianapolis.

2012 NFL First Round Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stan.)	17. New York Jets: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Okla. St.)	18. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR (S. Car.)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, DB (LSU)	19. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
4. Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley, QB (USC)	20. Cincinnati Bengals: David DeCastro, G (Stan.)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devon Still, DT (Penn St.)	21. Cleveland (From ATL): Jeff Fuller, WR (Tex. A&M)
6. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (ND)	22. Cincinnati (From Oak): Jonathan Martin, OT (Stan.)
7. Arizona Cardinals: Trent Richardson, RB (Ala.)	23. Chicago Bears: Nick Toon, WR (Wisc.)
8. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	24. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Neb.)
9. Cleveland Browns: Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)	25. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)
10. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin, QB (Baylor)	26. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
11 .Philadelphia Eagles: Manti Te'o, LB (N.D.)	27. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy, DT (Mich. St.)
12. Carolina Panthers: Brandon Thompson, DT (Clem)	28. N.E. (From N.O): Cam Johnson, DE (Virginia)
13. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Ala.)	29. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Ala.)
14. Kansas City Chiefs: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Ala.)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Chase Minnifield, CB (UVA)
15. Buffalo Bills: Janoris Jenkins, CB (N. Ala.)	31. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly, LB (B.C.)
16. New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio St.)	32. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (S. Car.)

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.