From The "Duh" Files: Colts Have Reportedly Already Decided To Draft Luck
by Christopher Gates on Jan 7, 2012 5:30 PM CST
in 2012 NFL Draft
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PrintIn what should come as a surprise to absolutely nobody, reports are surfacing that the Indianapolis Colts, who hold the top overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, have already decided that they are going to be taking Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with their selection.
(Hat tip to our friends at Stampede Blue for the story.)
Luck has been the consensus top pick in the 2012 Draft since he failed to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft. It leaves the Colts with a bit of a sticky situation concerning quarterback Peyton Manning, who is due a humongous roster bonus in late February. Would the Colts pay Manning that huge bonus and keep both players, or would they release Manning, saving themselves the money, and roll with the rookie? Personally, my money would be on the latter scenario, but that's just a hunch.
If this is true, the effect of this is that it makes the second and third picks, currently held by the St. Louis Rams and your Minnesota Vikings, that much more interesting. The odds are very good that one of those two teams is going to trade out of their current position to a team that wants to move up and select Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. If a team wants this year's Heisman Trophy winner, they're likely going to have to get in front of the Cleveland Browns, who have the fourth overall selection this April.
But the one team that has the pick of the litter in this year's draft has, apparently, already made its selection. . .long before the NFL Scouting Combine or free agency or pro days or anything else.
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and we swoop in
And steal Manning avoiding any controversy at the qb position for like 3 games….. Cuz we’re like a qb retirement home and all
by Lunchpail on Jan 7, 2012 5:39 PM CST via mobile reply actions
freaking Colts...
Luck is a lock to be a HOF qb IMO.
Lets wait till the kid takes an NFL snap before we crown him a future HoFer. K?
by Amrius on Jan 7, 2012 5:48 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Why wait?
The fact that the Vikings missed narrowly on being able to draft him means he is guaranteed to be a stud.
I really hope that's satire
As “lock for hof” should never be said about a college player.
of course it's hyperbole...
no pick is a “sure thing” but Luck’s about as close as you can get IMO.
Manning will retire a Colt
Luck will be the 2nd string for a few years, and then he’ll start as soon as Manning hangs it up. Just like Rogers and Favre.
i don't know...
I don’t think Peyton will stand for it.
Been looking for a link
Couldn’t find it. Saw a news story a couple months ago that reported that Peyton encouraged the Colts to draft Luck if they have the 1st pick.
ya, he says that now, and publicly...
but there have been reports by others that know him (like steve young) that say he’ll probably ask for a trade or to be cut behind the scenes.
and it makes sense...
Luck is not a guy that needs to sit. He’s not the same as Rodgers; he’s incredibly polished and probably needs to start from day 1.
stand for the circus...
peyton will not be with the colts this year.
I can’t imagine Peyton playing again. He has too much to lose on a hit. I know he’ll try to give it a go (being a competitor and all), but at some point, he has to listen to the medical experts.
"When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth."
-Roberto
by blackjackfishtaco on Jan 7, 2012 5:49 PM CST reply actions
The medical experts who are hired by the team/league?
The guys who would lose their jobs if they made Peyton Manning mad? The guys who, if Manning went and had success elsewhere after they told the Colts he couldn’t play, would be fired immediately?
I respect the medical professionals, but the system stacks the deck against their better judgment.
if Peyton bails
Does that increase the likelihood Reggie Wayne signs elsewhere?
by aceinthecorner on Jan 8, 2012 9:36 AM CST up reply actions
hopefully 'elsewhere' might include MN
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
by rj-b on Jan 8, 2012 12:40 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
That's just silly
I know people assumed the Colts would take him but you don’t tip your hat before the draft. It’s a poor strategy.
Not really...
Anyone that is even considering trading up is going to have to give up a king’s ransom to get Luck, no matter what the Colts say.
It's a poor strategy if you're drafting 2nd or later
If you’re drafting first, the bidding war will be the same no matter what you say publicly. Teams who want Luck won’t give up on him that easily.
Manning will not retire a Colt and he will play again…I’m sure the Colts appreciate everything that Peyton has done for the organization; but this is a business and a business decision will made concerning the future of the team…AD could use a seasoned QB like Manning if the Vikes can swing that because they need to fill so many holes elsewhere through the draft, particularly on the O-line and secondary…The secondary, with exception of Winfield, needs to be overhauled like yesterday….And lastly try to get a premier receiver through free agency, like Vincent Jackson.
agree...
if the greatest QB of all time can be jettisoned (Montana) Peyton can too. I’d guess he’s starting for the J-E-T-S next year.
and that will totally make sense...
because both Manning and the Jets traditionally lose the big games.
That's why Manning has won a Super Bowl and we haven't
by Coolio12 on Jan 7, 2012 7:18 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
he's won one "big" game in his whole career...
(i don’t even count the SB because he faced Rex Grossman). His only “big” win was that Pats playoffs win. And the only reason they won that game is that the Pats had a rookie kicker who missed what should have been the game-winner.
0-4 against Florida, 0-fer in pretty much all his other “big” games in his career, especially against the Pats. It’s the whole reason for the Manning Face.
Manning didn't face grossman
he faced Urlacher, Tillman, Vasher, et all. If I recall right, they were in the top 3 teams that allowed the least amount of points. They also scored quite a bit that season. Had plenty of takeaways. The Bears offense was pretty much ineffective all season, and just rode the defense and special teams to the super bowl, but what a defense it was. Much better than the Saints defense, btw.
true but..
He won the MVP while throwing 3 picks in that game. He will not win another superbowl so that’s why he was given the MVP
by midnightwonder on Jan 9, 2012 12:38 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
agree...
he will never win another one; won one big game in his entire life. he’s the ARod of the NFL. One of the all-time best, but a relative choker.
That Bears team was not all that good IMO. One of the worst representatives in a SB in the last 20 years or so to me.
Dear God no
Not another old QB who’ll be here for 1 or 2 years tops. We have Ponder and Webb. Let them the two of them take the lumps and learn to tame the fire.
Scenario….Manning and V. Jackson via free agency…Trade down in the draft to get Kalil and hopefully one of LSU’s premier corners….And then draft primarily defense for the rest of the draft…Possible? I think so…Likely? NO.
A couple years ago I would have wanted manning
But we have 2 young QBs and think at least one will turn out.
I’m tired of picking guys up towards the end of their careers.
I’d rather pick up v Jackson and Kalil and see what ponder and/or Webb can do with a big name WR and some more time in the pocket.
by reebs on Jan 7, 2012 7:44 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Trade down for Kalil?
Even if St. Louis doesn’t take him, or trades the pick to someone who takes RG3, Kalil won’t fall below the top 5 overall … we’d be lucky to even get him 3rd.
the ideal, dream scenario is...
the rams being stupid and taking blackmon (who will be a bust IMO)
the browns getting nervous that we’d trade with the skins/dolphins/chiefs re: rgIII and trading up with us.
us taking kalil #4 and having extra picks to work with.
On the plus side
The Vikings coaching staff is in charge of the North squad for the Senior Bowl this year. According to PFW anyway. This could help with evaluating senior talent.
Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/07/vikings-redskins-staffs-to-coach-senior-bowl
This is a good sign
But doesn’t Spielman have the final say on draft picks? If so, he better be there too so the coaches don’t end up wasting their time.
We only trade down, if the cleveland browns are willing to give a good deal.
Cleveland is the only team that makes sense trading down too for the Vikings. If the rams trade with them, like I believe they will. Then the Vikings just take the best need player available.
not necessarily
if the Rams trade down w/ anyone, it is for RG3, so yes at that point we draft at 3.
but if the Rams choose not to trade down or dont have a partner, we could trade down w/ Wash or Miami and still get Reiff (my preferred choice) or Martin, plus an extra 2nd and mid-rd oick this yr, and likely a 2013 2nd.
i know everyone loves Kalil, but i am a fan of trading down w/in the top 10 if the opportunity presents itself and the price is right.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
by rj-b on Jan 8, 2012 12:46 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
There's a great chance that Minnesota can trade down as far as #9 and still be able to get no worse than the second best LT in the draft.
I looked at the top ten teams in the draft recently and it jumped out to me that outside of Indy, Minnesota, and Buffalo every other team has either got a great LT in place or has recently spent a first round draft choice on a LT. Here’s the list which in my opinion really benefits the Vikings in any trade-down scenarios.
2. St. Louis spent the #2 overall pick on Jason Smith in 2009 and also picked Roger Saffold with the 33rd overall pick at the start of the 2nd round in 2010. With Smith’s salary and Saffold’s solid play there’s a strong case to be made that the Rams will not draft Kalil with the 2nd pick.
4.Cleveland has Joe Thomas at LT so they’re obviously not going to draft a LT when they already have one of the best.
5.Tampa Bay has Donald Penn and while he’s not as well known as Thomas this guy is arguably a top 5 LT right now.
6.Washington drafted Trent Williams 4th overall in 2010. Williams had a solid 2nd season this year but was suspended for reported marijuana usage during what was initially supposed to be a testing grace period at the end of the lockout. Due to the suspension Washington might look for a LT but it seems unlikely they’ll give up on Williams already.
7.Jacksonville drafted Eugene Monroe 8th overall in 2009. This is a tough call because Monroe has become fairly solid but isn’t quite living up to his high draft position yet. Jacksonville has more glaring needs and would likely pass on taking another LT high in the first but this is a maybe spot.
8.Miami has Jake Long so like Cleveland and Tampa there’s no chance they’re taking a LT here.
9.Carolina has Jordan Gross at LT. He’s another top 5-10 LT, and although he’s 31 the Panther’s gave him a big extension recently and it’s very unlikely they draft a LT with this pick.
10.Buffalo would be interested in a LT at this point in the draft as they aren’t heavily invested in the position and while having serviceable players they could use an upgrade.
The way I look at it, barring a mind-numbingly idiotic move by Spielman the Vikings will be able to draft one of the top 2 tackles in the draft in almost any trade-down scenario you can come up with. There will be no excuse for the Vikings not coming out of the first round without a great LT prospect this year.
Side note: I find it kind of funny and counterintuitive that so many of the league’s best LTs play for such bad teams while there’s only one top ten LT (Matt Light) playing for the 12 playoff teams this year.
by CanadianViking on Jan 8, 2012 1:49 PM CST up reply actions
Many of those teams you listed might draft one of the tackles in the draft to use at right tackle
Billick: "What did McNabb do to deserve being benched?"
Answer: He upset PETA by killing every worm he came across on a football field.
Doubt it. Teams don't use top ten picks to upgrade their RTs as it's a much less valuable position than LT.
Usually the only way a top ten tackle ends up on the right side is if they busted out as a LT or if they’re playing behind an established starter early in their career.
by CanadianViking on Jan 8, 2012 8:29 PM CST up reply actions
How big is big?
My guess would be the Colts keep both guys or next year. But how big is the bonus?
$28 million
And it needs to be paid before the start of the league year.
Peter King of Sports Illustrated reports that the Colts can’t trade quarterback Peyton Manning before his huge $28 million option bonus is due. The bonus is payable several days before the start of the 2012 league year, traditionally around March 1. Trades can’t be made until the league year begins. So if Manning and his agent, Tom Condon, don’t agree to extend the deadline for payment of the option, the Colts will have to let him go for nothing or exercise the option and pay him huge money … and perhaps not know for sure if he’s going to be whole with his neck injury for 2012. In terms of cash paid to Manning in 2012, if the Colts hold onto him for the 2012 season, the number is $35.4 million (the $28 million bonus and $7.4 million salary) and for a franchise like Indianapolis, which is not among the leaders in revenue production, a $35.4 million cash outlay for a guy who may not last a full season is a pretty big risk.
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by Christopher Gates on Jan 8, 2012 10:50 AM CST up reply actions
If Payton not a Colt next year
He will most likely be a 49er. Vikings have a great shot at Kalil and should take him if available. But real test is who the Vikings will take in second round and later rounds.
Vikings need a lot of starters, plus some backups. We need at least three starters from this draft and at least 3 through free agency. If we can get 6 new starters for next year, we can be a much improved team.
by Vikefandc on Jan 8, 2012 10:13 AM CST via mobile reply actions
49ers?
i don’t see that at all. harbaugh’s too good with qb’s to spend that much on peyton; he’ll mold his own guys.
J-E-T-S
NY's not big enough for 2 Mannings
I wonder if Big Brother would want to steal the spot light from Little bro…
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
i think it would actually raise the profile of both...
if that’s even possible. man, imagine the media over both guys in NY.
i think that’s a plus, not a negative, for each.
Harbaugh may want to mold his guys...
But adding Manning upgrades the 49ers to a serious Superbowl contender. Harbaugh could draft " his guy" to learn like under Peyton. Does anyone really think that Alex Smith is the answer?
by vking1 on Jan 10, 2012 11:44 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
nope
Manning wouldn’t play for the Jets. I think he would retire first, but he will have plenty of options as a free agent after being released (Manning will ask for this so he can pick his landing spot). But I agree, 49ers wouldn’t want him. Harbaugh has built up Alex Smith’s confidence and has got production from Alex Smith that no one else(since college) has been able to.
Doesn't he have to be released
So that contract goes away along with the roster bonus?
Can the Colts release him and then re-sign him to a new contract? I seem to remember that happening in the vague and distant past.
I guess I don’t think the team picking Luck would drive them apart, aside from the huge bonus he is due.
I don't think Manning will take this pick personally
after 3 neck surgeries, I doubt if he plays more than 2 seasons. I would suspect that he will end up being more of a qb coach, though and will probably remain with the Colts in that regard.
If he's smart, then he won't do what Favre did
Favre could have remained an absolute legend in Green Bay until the end of time if he would have stepped out gracefully. He would have been absolutely loved everywhere in Wisconsin, and would have been paid to do just about everything, including local and even national commercials.
Instead, he is now vilified there and is completely out of football, too, and not really loved by anyone, all over an extra year or two of playing football.
Manning should stay with Indy, and not try to go elsewhere for a couple of years of playing for a few bucks (ok, maybe a few 10’s of millions, but you get my drift)
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 10, 2012 6:01 PM CST up reply actions
I'm thinking that
Luck will go first, Kalil second, and then we get stuck in what seems like the quandary the Vikings have been in for the most part of the last 40 years… who will be quarterback if we “have” to take RGIII and no one else steps up to trade for him?
by liveforadrenaline on Jan 10, 2012 2:35 PM CST reply actions
You start the player that gives you the best chance to win.
I wouldn’t get depressed if the vikes end up with RG3. He is a good player who has a chance to be a teriffic pro. He would be the starter.
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