2012 NFL Draft: Why Colts Should Exit Andrew Luck Sweepstakes

The Indianapolis Colts have a chance to draft one of the greatest prospects to enter the NFL draft in Andrew Luck. However, with the progress of Peyton Manning’s rehab from neck surgery, they should bow out of the Luck sweepstakes and wait to draft Manning’s successor.

According to the Indy Star:

"

Quarterback Peyton Manning’s continued rehabilitation from neck surgery will not include him practicing today with the Indianapolis Colts.

“His rehab is, they’re increasing it, is ramping up a little here and there,’’ coach Jim Caldwell said prior to this afternoon’s practice. “But in terms of today, no. There is no plan (for him to practice) at this point.’’

"

Manning will come back next year for his 15th NFL season. When he comes back, Manning will be the starting quarterback for the Colts. So then why would the Colts waste their first pick in the NFL draft on a player who will be a bench-warmer next year? 

You can defend the Luck pick by bringing up the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers sat on the bench behind Brett Favre for three years and now he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. However, Rodgers was picked 24th in the first round, not first overall. 

Plus, the Colts have bigger holes to fill than at quarterback. 

This team has a lackluster defense that can get after the quarterback but cannot stop opposing running backs. On the year, the Colts rank near the bottom of the league with the 30th-ranked rushing defense. 

This year, the Colts have allowed 1,876 total yards to opponents running backs, while letting them rip their defense for 144 yards per game. 

Another hole they have is at cornerback. Through 14 games this year the Colts are awful at stopping other teams’ receivers, ranking last in the NFL at stopping teams on third down and 27th in receiver touchdowns.

If the Colts would trade that first pick to a team with a proven run stopper, and then use that team’s first-round pick on a shutdown cornerback like LSU’s Morris Claiborne or Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick, it would take care of two problems immediately. 

Stanford’s Luck is going to have a good, maybe great career in the NFL. However, the smart football move is to use the first pick to fill holes now, rather than fix something that isn’t broken. 

Follow @tjmcaloon