Tomorrow is the start of the NFL combine and the major buzz will be, who should the Colts take with the number one pick? I don't know about you, but I think regardless of whom they chose they cannot go wrong.
I like both quarterbacks and with either you simply cannot go wrong. What I like most about them is that there is still a remote possibility that Payton Manning may be back to tutor them for a couple of years.
Lets be real here, both are great College signal callers. But this is the NFL, and it's been known to chew up rookie quarterbacks faster than a coach on the hot seat eating tums. Your strengths in the college game could become your weakness in the pros.
A friend of mine once explained to me that in college when a receiver is open, it's generally by 2-3 feet. However in the NFL, that window is by 12-18 inches. Not a very big window of opportunity now is it?
Regardless of where these two great quarterbacks go, they'll both struggle at times maybe a lot of the time. Why? Because regardless of where they go they'll be asked to perform with inferior talent surrounding them.
With Payton calling the signals, the Colts are by far a very different team, I am sure we can all agree on this statement. However, with any other person under center they simply suck! I am just being honest here.
Now, lets look at what most people assume will happen. The Colts let Payton walk and draft Luck to take over. How good will they be? Probably not very good at all. Not only that but can you imagine being the signal caller expected to replace a legend?
This proposition isn't very appealing because it seldom works out. Hell, how many quarterbacks have they utilized to replace Dan Marino? How about John Elway, Troy Aikman, Jim Kelley or even Steve Young? Hasn't worked out very well for those that came in after they departed has it?
Now, on the bright side you can point to Arron Rodgers right? Well, no thats not a good comparison for two reasons. The first being that Rogers got to sit behind Farve for several seasons and secondly, Brett left the cupboard full of talent making the transition easier.
The saying goes that you do not want to be the person immediately after the legend, especially if the legend is forced out. The fans will never let you forget it and you'll always be compared to the guy who did it best for the organization and put the franchise on the map. Talking about big shoes to fill, Payton Mannings!
Now I know some of you have thought that I overlooked Steve Young replacing Joe Montana, right? No I haven't, Joe left the cupboard stocked as well ala Jerry Rice and others.
Now, lets get back on topic shall we? If, and only if Payton Manning stays then this is how I would let the scenario play out. I'd trade that first pick, especially if I could get say Cleveland to trade spots with me and give me a first and 2nd or 3rd.
I'd take let them draft Luck because I'd still have Manning and the spot to take RGIII, plus I can fill other holes I desperately need filled. RGIII gets to sit and observe while he's learning from one of the tops to ever play the position for a few years. This scenario is a Colts win!
However, if Manning is actually leaving, then I take Luck without question and I hope he can stand up to the scrutiny that will follow him until I can get the proper pieces to surround him.
Given a proper chance he will no doubt be an outstanding NFL leader, as will RGIII, however his biggest obstacle will be to overcome the shadow that Manning will cast over this franchise for years to come.
I don't know about you, but I kinda think he just may be able to do just that. Regardless, I wish them both well in their NFL futures.
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