The Colts upset the Texans and may have traded long term gain for short term satisfaction. Next week if the Colts continue their win streak against the Jaguars they will most likely lose their number one draft pick slot and along with it the chance to take the supposedly can't miss franchise quarterback Andrew Luck. So let's say the Colts beat the Jaguars next week which I'll take any quarterback over Gabbert so that's not hard to see.
What happens then, enter either the Rams or the Vikings (it'll be based on strength of schedule if they lose out). Both of these franchises supposedly have their quarterback of the future but faced with the prospect of picking Luck would they stick to their guns or trade their model in for the new Stanford version. As far as the Vikings I think it's almost a guarantee if they get the number one they'll take Luck and ship off Ponder for a 2nd or 3rd rounder whatever they can get for him. If it's the Rams though the situation gets a lot more interesting.
The Rams just selected Sam Bradford first overall in 2010 but may be holding that spot just two years later. Bradford took some major steps backward this year but do you trash him and start over just two years into the process? They'd be putting Luck in the same situation Bradford is in with no offensive line and little receiving help outside of Lloyd (if he stays). Add into the situation the Rams may have a new head coach and a new head coach always loves to get his guy in there and his quarterback which would have the Rams even more heavily considering Andrew Luck. If I'm the Rams GM I'm trading the pick though. Some NFL General Managers say the top pick this year could fetch as much as three 1st round picks in return especially in such a quarterback needy league. This would allow the Rams to jump start their rebuilding process and maybe even get a receiver like Justin Blackmon to help Sam Bradford grow as a quarterback. While some might say well why not take Luck and trade Bradford for picks, well after Bradford's play this year I'd say you'd be lucky to get more than a 1st round draft choice.
So who would trade up for the pick? Well that's a different article for a different day. All we know for now is that if the Colts win next week it's about to open a Pandora's box of options for draft day.
- Michael Gibson
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