137 replies to this topic

[soxfan121]

The Colts have taken all the drama out of the Suck for Luck sweepstakes and now would need lots of help to avoid owning the #1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Peyton Manning signed a lucrative extension which delivers ~$35M to him on February 1st, 2012. So, any trade would need to factor that in, somehow. Since the team trading for Manning would most likely want him at a lower salary than what he got before his neck was officially FUBAR, a trade of Manning is highly unlikely but not impossible. Releasing Manning allows him to join a competitor (Baltimore? Jacksonville? Miami?) on his terms and nets the Colts nothing.

Keeping Manning and drafting Luck seems like a ridiculous misuse of resources- the Colts have far more roster problems than any QB can solve and two world class QBs is one too many. But those same roster problems make trading the #1 overall pick (Luck) for additional assets and snubbing Luck in favor of a bad-necked 36 year old QB isn't ideal, either.

Basically, this is a really interesting mess where all 4 choices affect multiple teams in fascinating ways. Obviously, the Colts are the center of this, but another team is going to get a massive upgrade at QB, depending on Manning's health and what the Colts choose to do.

[Lose Remerswaal]

If he's healthy and the Colts expect him to be able to give them 2-3 more seasons (or more), then I don't see why they don't trade the #1 for another top 5 pick (new CBA makes those salaries much less onerous than previously), plus maybe a #2 this year and a #1 the following year. Especially if Luck plays another game like the one he had this weekend.

[BigSoxFan]

If he's healthy and the Colts expect him to be able to give them 2-3 more seasons (or more), then I don't see why they don't trade the #1 for another top 5 pick (new CBA makes those salaries much less onerous than previously), plus maybe a #2 this year and a #1 the following year. Especially if Luck plays another game like the one he had this weekend.

Wait, what? You draft Luck and don't even think twice about it. Just wait until he gets some legit NFL-calibre skill position players (see Ryan, Matt).

[Section15Box113]

Should we have an option for Indianapolis-Luck returns to Stanford?

[Mike in CT]

It's a Quarterback League. You do not pass up the opportunity to go from Elite QB to another (potential) Elite QB with only 1 "transition year" in between.

You get another 10-12 year window of winning, packed stadiums, playoffs, etc.

Don't get cute and try to squeeze out one more run from your 36 year old QB.

[mahky bellhorn]

Logically they should just trade him, because best case he's going to make an amazing recovery and make the Colts a 10-6 fringe playoff team. More likely they miss the playoffs and pass up a hefty return to really bolster their young core around Luck.

I could see them keeping both him and Luck since he's the face of the franchise and whatnot, take one last shot and let him tutor Luck. Can't envision a scenario where they deal Luck.

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

Aaron Rodgers backed up Favre for 3 years and that worked out pretty well. Granted, the Colts would have to devote a lot more payroll to Luck than the Packers did to Rodgers, but considering how shaky Manning's health could be, they'd be stupid not to pick Luck.

[mt8thsw9th]

Should we have an option for Indianapolis-Luck returns to Stanford?

No.

[Shelterdog]

Aaron Rodgers backed up Favre for 3 years and that worked out pretty well. Granted, the Colts would have to devote a lot more payroll to Luck than the Packers did to Rodgers, but considering how shaky Manning's health could be, they'd be stupid not to pick Luck.

It's not even all that much payroll for luck-Newton signed a four year/22 million contract and Luck's will be similar. It's expensive for a backup quarterback but you can certainly make it work within a team's salary structure.

[mahky bellhorn]

Aaron Rodgers backed up Favre for 3 years and that worked out pretty well. Granted, the Colts would have to devote a lot more payroll to Luck than the Packers did to Rodgers, but considering how shaky Manning's health could be, they'd be stupid not to pick Luck.

Even w/o shaky health you can't pass up the best QB prospect in like 30 yrs when your starter is gonna be 36.

[TomRicardo]

Mark Sanchez's pixie dust is starting to wear off... Maybe the Jets grab Manning

[Helmet Head]

My biggest fear is he is traded to the Jets. They get him for a couple years, assuming he is fully recovered, and watch out. I hope Sanchez can be just good enough to not let that happen.

[soxfan121]

Mark Sanchez's pixie dust is starting to wear off... Maybe the Jets grab Manning

Three #1's? Two #1s, a 2nd rounder and a player (the Vick)? The Herschel Walker deluxe?

If Manning is healthy - what's the package that gets him? What if he's a guy who hasn't played after several neck surgeries? Does that mean that if Indy is 0-15, have the #1 pick locked and want to avoid lots of things - do they play Manning in Week 16 (if he's healthy) to showcase him for trade?

[Salva135]

If this actually happens, and by all likelihood it will, Curtis Painter needs a spot in the Colts Ring of Honor, or whatever they have, because even John Skelton could get this team a win or two, and Painter has tirelessly played as absolutely horrible as a QB can play without any pressure of being replaced. I can't see the Colts ever trading from the #2 or 3 slot to snag Luck, so it really is amazing what Painter is doing right now to allow Luck to just fall into their laps. He is the grease behind the wheels of this entire situation. We aren't even discussing this issue without him.

Edited by Salva135, 14 November 2011 - 03:39 PM.

[mahky bellhorn]

My biggest fear is he is traded to the Jets. They get him for a couple years, assuming he is fully recovered, and watch out. I hope Sanchez can be just good enough to not let that happen.

+1

Jets kick the shit of the Pats for the rest of Brady's prime, then when Peyton retires the Colts have a super team around Luck with all of the picks they got from trading Peyton.

I'm really hoping Indy just lets it ride out with Peyton to see if they have one last run w/ him.

[Jnai]

You can trade Manning and end up with multiple #1s, or trade Luck and end up with multiple #1s, or keep both and pay a very expensive QB and a very expensive backup QB.

Realistically I think you have to do one of the first two things here. Otherwise, you are basically saying that Peyton Manning is the difference between being an 0-16 team and a playoff team AND you think he can do it with the crippling salary restriction of having a lot of possible impact players tied up in his future replacement (it's a zero-sum game and a lot of the sum is going to be tied up in Andrew Luck).

It's actually an interesting proposition for a team. I voted that they trade Manning. Organizationally, I think Manning is simply too unreliable to trust going forward. Let someone else overpay for that risk - and they will. Manning might have one stellar year somewhere else, but over the life of the contract you have to think that multiple first round picks or impact players are worth it. The Colts also have to rebuild - I don't believe that even without the salary restriction that Luck will place on the team that Manning is a net gain of 10 wins, and it doesn't get you anywhere to rebuild around a player that's going to retire in 4 years.

This really is the perfect set of circumstances for a team like Indy. Have a stellar QB for a decade, trade him for more than he's worth in the twilight of his career, and pick up the next franchise QB.

Edited by Jnai, 14 November 2011 - 05:22 PM.

[axx]

Peyton has a $28M option bonus the Colts would have to pick up. That's a lot of money to eat to be able to trade him.

[Saints Rest]

The money factor on Manning's contract, combined with "Face of the Franchise Factor" , means that it will be VERY difficult to deal Manning for much of value.

Adding Luck to Manning, without significant other improvements, won't really help Indy.

Trading Luck for multiple picks, while keeping Manning, gives the Colts the best chance of being good over the next 2-3 years. The one big caveat is Manning's health. If this injury was a knee injury, I wouldn't hesitate, but a neck injury certainly must increase the risk and thus the concern that Manning doesn't really have multiple years left in him. But Manning is like Mariano -- he seems to defy age.

Hence I voted to trade Luck while keeping Manning in Indy blue.

[Dehere]

It's not even all that much payroll for luck-Newton signed a four year/22 million contract and Luck's will be similar. It's expensive for a backup quarterback but you can certainly make it work within a team's salary structure.

Fully agree. They'll carry them both and cut payroll elsewhere, which means a few seasons of having some sizable holes.

But come on, when you have an opportunity to have one of the best of all time groom the best prospect in a generation, you find a way to allow that to happen. The fan base will 100% support that.

[soxfan121]

Fully agree. They'll carry them both and cut payroll elsewhere, which means a few seasons of having some sizable holes.

But come on, when you have an opportunity to have one of the best of all time groom the best prospect in a generation, you find a way to allow that to happen. The fan base will 100% support that.

Well sure - but the Colts are headed for the #1 overall pick because they lost Peyton AND because the rest of roster has foundation rot. They've lost key guys on the defensive side of the ball over the past couple of years, the OL is disintegrating and Wayne/Clark are not going to be young forever. Not to mention that pending FAs on the roster might be ready to bolt town the QB position is going to eat up some significant fraction of the cap.

I really don't see the value in planning several losing seasons right after opening a new stadium and having a year-in-year-out competitor for most of the last decade. Why wouldn't Petulant Peyton ask out after one year of such foolishness? I doubt he's satisfied going 4-11 and "grooming" Luck with a depleted roster. And before you say "he has no choice" realize he has a lot of influence on this situation and will be privately pushing for a trade - either him or Luck.

***********

Also interesting that virtually no one thinks Peyton being released is a likely outcome.

[Jungleland]

It's only a likely outcome if his health is bad enough to warrant potential retirement. I'd be downright shocked if there aren't 3-4 teams who would trade something of value for him and take on that money if they can be mostly sure that he's at least 80% of his former self. The Colts are going to keep both of them, but it makes the most sense to trade Peyton. Risky as anything, but with the potential to set up something bordering on a dynasty if Luck is for real and the pick package for Manning is used decently.

Edited by Jungleland, 14 November 2011 - 08:33 PM.

[BucketOBalls]

Also interesting that virtually no one thinks Peyton being released is a likely outcome.

Well, it makes no sense.

With all the new rules, QB's, especially elite ones, tend to age pretty well. Even with his contract, the only way Manning would have no trade value is if he is done, and I wouldn't bet on that. It's quite possible he has a few more elite years left in him. Maybe even as many as 5 or so.


Someone mentioned Rogers, and I think the same thing happens here. My guess is next year is spent figuring out how healthy Peyton is and exactly what they have in Luck. Then you make a trade after that or maybe part way though the year.

(and I'm now mildly pissed the Pats got nothing out of losing Brady for a year. )

[Royal Reader]

Well, they got to turn their backup quarterback into a second round pick, and the Schadenfreude that even with the Pats Brady-less and the Jets starting the Ole Gunslinger, the Pats still finished ahead of NY.

[j44thor]

Well, it makes no sense.

With all the new rules, QB's, especially elite ones, tend to age pretty well. Even with his contract, the only way Manning would have no trade value is if he is done, and I wouldn't bet on that. It's quite possible he has a few more elite years left in him. Maybe even as many as 5 or so.


Someone mentioned Rogers, and I think the same thing happens here. My guess is next year is spent figuring out how healthy Peyton is and exactly what they have in Luck. Then you make a trade after that or maybe part way though the year.

(and I'm now mildly pissed the Pats got nothing out of losing Brady for a year. )

I voted release but that is in large part because I don't understand the full implications of a sign & trade if they pick up his 35M option bonus, which seems like it would have to be done in order to sign & trade. Doesn't that 35M hit the cap all at once if he is traded? I don't see how any team could compete with 35M in dead weight.

What might be more logical is Petyon reworking that option bonus over the course of the next few years and remaining with Indy.

[jose melendez]

I think we're sseverly underating the "Dan Snyder trades his next five drafts for Peyton Manning" factor.

[Grin&MartyBarret]

It also bears mentioning that the Brown's own Atlanta's 1st round pick, in addition to their own, which will end up in the top 5, which puts them in a good position to put together a package for the #1 pick if the Colts are willing to shop it.

[mahky bellhorn]

It also bears mentioning that the Brown's own Atlanta's 1st round pick, in addition to their own, which will end up in the top 5, which puts them in a good position to put together a package for the #1 pick if the Colts are willing to shop it.

It really doesn't bear mentioning since the Colts wouldn't consider something like 3 1sts and a 2nd. I think it's pretty much zero pct that a team even offers Indy a package they want to consider accepting (I'd have to think it would need to be close in value to ~ 5 first rounders) and even then the odds of that getting consummated is very unlikely.

[soxfan121]

It really doesn't bear mentioning since the Colts wouldn't consider something like 3 1sts and a 2nd. I think it's pretty much zero pct that a team even offers Indy a package they want to consider accepting (I'd have to think it would need to be close in value to ~ 5 first rounders) and even then the odds of that getting consummated is very unlikely.

Could you point at a source that suggests than anyone, anywhere, in any sport has ever said "we will not consider 3 1st round picks and a 2nd in exchange for X"?

Speculating on the unlikely is kinda what we do, here. Luck OR Manning could be traded and you're wrong that Bill Polian won't "consider" every scenario.

Edited by soxfan121, 15 November 2011 - 11:03 AM.

[mahky bellhorn]

I think based on the information available it's a pretty safe deduction to make. If you can come up with a logical reason as to why the Colts would part with the highest rated QB prospect of the past 25 years for that return then go for it. I feel like they are definitely getting the worse end of the deal- if they had Rodgers or Cam Newton at QB, the possibility enters the equation. Having 36 y/o Peyton Manning coming off a significant injury with a garbage supporting cast pretty much makes Luck as valuable to the Colts as he would be to any other team.

FWIW:

http://www.stampedeb...if-they-drafted

[Grin&MartyBarret]

I think based on the information available it's a pretty safe deduction to make. If you can come up with a logical reason as to why the Colts would part with the highest rated QB prospect of the past 25 years for that return then go for it. I feel like they are definitely getting the worse end of the deal- if they had Rodgers or Cam Newton at QB, the possibility enters the equation. Having 36 y/o Peyton Manning coming off a significant injury with a garbage supporting cast pretty much makes Luck as valuable to the Colts as he would be to any other team.

FWIW:

http://www.stampedeb...if-they-drafted

Logical Reasons:

Ryan Leaf
Vinny Testeverde
Jeff George
JaMarcus Russell


And those are just the names that came up when I googled "Best NFL Prospects Ever". If the Colts are offered several first round picks for the #1 spot, I don't think it's at all unreasonable to think that they might take those picks, use one to take a Landry Jones or Matt Barkley and groom him to replace Peyton and use the other picks to improve one of the dozen or so other areas they need help in. Eli Manning and Michael Vick were both extremely hyped draft prospects too, and both were passed over by the Chargers in deals that the Chargers certainly wouldn't think twice about making again.

[mahky bellhorn]

George and Vinny's prospect days were before my time, but Jamarcus and Leaf weren't in the same stratosphere as Luck as prospects. Nobody actively rooted for their team to lose for them, and they weren't even unquestionably the best players available at their slot. If anything their high draft positions are indicative of how desperate teams are for a franchise QB.

SD traded Eli because he refused to play for them, Vick wasn't in the traditional mold of a QB so there were questions as to how his game would translate to the NFL level.

I mean there is some non-zero chance that Luck is the next Tim Couch, but the odds of a Barkley or Jones going busto is drastically higher and the odds of them changing the franchise's fortunes are exponentially lower. Maybe I'm wrong but it's just unfathomable to me that two 1sts and a 2nd comprises the difference in EV between Luck and a Barkley/Jones. An elite QB is such a boon to a franchise, and we're talking the difference between somebody who is probably going to turn your franchise around or at least be a cornerstone to build around vs somebody who has a very remote chance of becoming elite and more likely will be a mediocrity/bust.

And even if you can argue that the trade is approximately fair, what's the fucking point for the Colts? There's not a reason why it should be particularly appealing for them to swap a dollar for 4 quarters, especially considering that by trading Luck, Polian is potentially taking on the stigma of being the guy that traded away an entire career from the GOAT QB. Sorry but I just don't see how the Colts can pull the trigger unless they get offered more value than Luck's worth, and something along the lines of three 1sts and one 2nd certainly doesn't qualify as such.

[mahky bellhorn]

Let's put it this way. You're a Colts fan and your team just sucked complete ass for Luck. You find out that they traded Luck for the draft rights to Matt Barkley, picks #22 and #40 in this year's draft, and Cleveland's 2013 first rounder. How do you feel emotionally?

[dbn]

Let's put it this way. You're a Colts fan and your team just sucked complete ass for Luck. You find out that they traded Luck for the draft rights to Matt Barkley, picks #22 and #40 in this year's draft, and Cleveland's 2013 first rounder. How do you feel emotionally?

The average fan would probably be pissed. Me? I'd be cautiously happy, where the hesitation would be caused by Manning's uncertain health for the next few years.

[edit: my outlook would be affected -- in either direction -- by how they used the #22 and #40]

Edited by dbn, 15 November 2011 - 06:20 PM.

[MarcSullivaFan]

I voted for draft Luck and trade Manning, but I'm starting to think they might take the middle path and keep Manning, trade Luck, and draft Barkely and some new blood to extend the Manning run. Trading Manning does sound virtually impossible, and keeping him and drafting Luck doesn't seem very likely to result in a good team next year. Whatever they do, they need to not suck next year. The Polians are taking a lot of heat right now, and deservedly so.

[mahky bellhorn]

I think based on the information available it's a pretty safe deduction to make. If you can come up with a logical reason as to why the Colts would part with the highest rated QB prospect of the past 25 years for that return then go for it. I feel like they are definitely getting the worse end of the deal- if they had Rodgers or Cam Newton at QB, the possibility enters the equation. Having 36 y/o Peyton Manning coming off a significant injury with a garbage supporting cast pretty much makes Luck as valuable to the Colts as he would be to any other team.

FWIW:

http://www.stampedeb...if-they-drafted

fwiw the article i linked here says that manning would leave in peace if indy drafted luck.

[Grin&MartyBarret]

Let's put it this way. You're a Colts fan and your team just sucked complete ass for Luck. You find out that they traded Luck for the draft rights to Matt Barkley, picks #22 and #40 in this year's draft, and Cleveland's 2013 first rounder. How do you feel emotionally?

Maybe so. But I think Colt's fans have to be aware that their team has a lot of weaknesses, and that they might be best served trying to fill as many of them as possible. What if they, for instance, trade Luck for the draft rights to Trent Richardson, and use their pick in the 20s to add a legitimate run stopping DT? They could then see if they could find Peyton's replacement in the 2nd or 3rd round, or they could just wait and take a QB with that 2013 1st rounder that Cleveland gave them. Even with Luck, is there much of a chance that isn't a top 10 pick?

[Super Nomario]

Maybe so. But I think Colt's fans have to be aware that their team has a lot of weaknesses, and that they might be best served trying to fill as many of them as possible. What if they, for instance, trade Luck for the draft rights to Trent Richardson, and use their pick in the 20s to add a legitimate run stopping DT? They could then see if they could find Peyton's replacement in the 2nd or 3rd round, or they could just wait and take a QB with that 2013 1st rounder that Cleveland gave them. Even with Luck, is there much of a chance that isn't a top 10 pick?

There's such a big difference between the elite QBs and just decent ones that I think it's silly to pass on a generational QB talent to take a flyer on someone in 2013. The Colts will likely be more competitive in 2012 and 2013 doing what you suggest, but a) they still might not be good and b) they're way more likely to be competitive 2014-2024 taking Luck with the #1 pick.

[mahky bellhorn]

Maybe so. But I think Colt's fans have to be aware that their team has a lot of weaknesses, and that they might be best served trying to fill as many of them as possible. What if they, for instance, trade Luck for the draft rights to Trent Richardson, and use their pick in the 20s to add a legitimate run stopping DT? They could then see if they could find Peyton's replacement in the 2nd or 3rd round, or they could just wait and take a QB with that 2013 1st rounder that Cleveland gave them. Even with Luck, is there much of a chance that isn't a top 10 pick?

Colts had all of the same weaknesses last year and they went 10-6 because they had an elite QB. It's just so much easier to build around a stud QB than it is to build a team balanced with talent and fill in with a good enough QB a la Baltimore/NYJ.

I mean look at the Ravens- they have had two of the best defensive players of all time anchoring their D along with a bunch of other studs along the way, and they've been pretty up and down over the past decade because they can't find a QB. OTOH the Colts have had defenses ranging from abysmal to pretty good, but they still won 10+ every f'n year since 02 and had a 7 year stretch with 12+ wins every year. Even though Luck might only have like a 25% chance of being on the Brady/Manning level, that's still such a huge thing to pass up especially considering that his median performance is probably going to be like Eli+.

They can probably snag a couple of 1st rounders by dealing Peyton to add some talent around Luck, then by the time he hits his prime he should have enough talent around him to make Indy a contender so long as he is all he's cracked up to be.

[Saints Rest]

I think that if you can say with certainty that Luck will be Manning/Brady/Brees/Marino/Montana/etc, then you draft him. But there is a huge amount of safety in turning the possible uncertainty that he turn into something closer to Leaf/Couch/Russell/Bradford/Mirer/etc into the hedge of multiple top 50/top 100 picks.

In hindsight, (for what that is worth), I would wager that teams that have been able to parlay a single high pick into mutliples have had better results on average than those who have put all their eggs into the one "franchise QB" basket. That said, I can only think of two notable trades in that regard: John Elway and Michael Vick. In the former case, "Franchise QB" won out on balance. In the latter, the team that traded away the "Franchise QB" was better off. But I'm sure there must be more cases that I can't think of.

Similar, but slightly different were the draft day trades of established stars for multiple picks (this would be more akin to the Colts trading away Manning and keeping Luck). Herchecl Walker and Marshall Faulk are the two that spring to mind.

[Super Nomario]

I think that if you can say with certainty that Luck will be Manning/Brady/Brees/Marino/Montana/etc, then you draft him. But there is a huge amount of safety in turning the possible uncertainty that he turn into something closer to Leaf/Couch/Russell/Bradford/Mirer/etc into the hedge of multiple top 50/top 100 picks.

In hindsight, (for what that is worth), I would wager that teams that have been able to parlay a single high pick into mutliples have had better results on average than those who have put all their eggs into the one "franchise QB" basket. That said, I can only think of two notable trades in that regard: John Elway and Michael Vick. In the former case, "Franchise QB" won out on balance. In the latter, the team that traded away the "Franchise QB" was better off. But I'm sure there must be more cases that I can't think of.

Similar, but slightly different were the draft day trades of established stars for multiple picks (this would be more akin to the Colts trading away Manning and keeping Luck). Herchecl Walker and Marshall Faulk are the two that spring to mind.

The impact a franchise QB has on a team is much greater than the impact a franchise HB has on a team. That's true both on a year-to-year level (Adrian Peterson's Vikings have been good when they've had good QB play, bad when they haven't, even though he's probably the best RB in the league) and in terms of career value (QBs play and are effective much longer than RB). The Walker and Faulk trades can't really be compared to the QB deals.

You can't say with certainty Luck will be a HOFer, but he's as good a prospect as you can get. The downside risk of Luck is you blow the last couple years of the Manning window. The upside is you extend your run as an elite franchise for another dozen years. That seems like a pretty good risk tradeoff to me. And of course, multiple top 50 / top 100 picks are no guarantee either (as Pats fans have seen).

Edited by Super Nomario, 16 November 2011 - 12:27 PM.

[Royal Reader]

Eli trade? SD got Rivers, who I would say has had a better career than Eli anyway, Shawne Merriman who was the best defensive player on those mid-decade Charger teams, and the most accurate kicker in the history of the NFL.

If you think Luck is going to be the next Peyton Manning, of course you don't trade him. But good as he is, Leaf was also considered a generational talent (which is why saying 'He wasn't even the top-rated QB prospect in his class is unfair - he was a top-4 QB prospect of the decade, and if Manning had come out a year early, Leaf would have had the Luck-style hype all to himself). Of the four guys who make up the obvious top tier
in the NFL right now, only Manning was even a top 20 pick.

Meanwhile, the Colts have a guy who they know IS Peyton Manning right now, and could use three first rounders and a second to surround him with premium talent at other positions.

[mahky bellhorn]

Eli trade? SD got Rivers, who I would say has had a better career than Eli anyway, Shawne Merriman who was the best defensive player on those mid-decade Charger teams, and the most accurate kicker in the history of the NFL.

If you think Luck is going to be the next Peyton Manning, of course you don't trade him. But good as he is, Leaf was also considered a generational talent (which is why saying 'He wasn't even the top-rated QB prospect in his class is unfair - he was a top-4 QB prospect of the decade, and if Manning had come out a year early, Leaf would have had the Luck-style hype all to himself). Of the four guys who make up the obvious top tier
in the NFL right now, only Manning was even a top 20 pick.

Meanwhile, the Colts have a guy who they know IS Peyton Manning right now, and could use three first rounders and a second to surround him with premium talent at other positions.

No, Leaf would not have had Luck style hype, because Luck has even more hype than Peyton Manning. And not that I am intimately familiar with his downfall, but iirc Leaf failed in large part due to having a shit personality lacking in the mental makeup necessary to succeed.

I mean there obviously is some downside risk, but the upside is just so, so enormous that you can't pass it up.

[singaporesoxfan]

Even if Indianapolis gets a bucketload of draft picks for the Luck pick, do people have any faith that the Colts would turn those draft picks into anything useful? How's their drafting?

[soxfan121]

Even if Indianapolis gets a bucketload of draft picks for the Luck pick, do people have any faith that the Colts would turn those draft picks into anything useful? How's their drafting?

Better than average. The Colts have maintained their status during the Manning Era by replacing departing FA with draft picks. Until recently, they were doing pretty well with this strategy. Of course, everyone misses on some picks and the misses have been especially painful, including on the OL where they were never able to replace Tarik Glenn.

I hate Bill Polian but he's not dumb. If he were to net (example) #4, #37 and #69 (a 1st, 2nd & 3rd). plus future #1's for Luck, they'd have 4, 33, 37, 65, 69 and 96 in the first four rounds, plus a likely top 15 pick in 2013 and 2014.

[soxfan121]

When asked by Archie Manning, co-chairman of the search committee for the Ole Miss head coaching job, if he would be interested Peyton reportedly said:

'Just tell them that I'm 0-10 as an assistant for Indianapolis.'

That's funny.

[Van Everyman]

Even if Indianapolis gets a bucketload of draft picks for the Luck pick, do people have any faith that the Colts would turn those draft picks into anything useful? How's their drafting?

According to that article linked upthread:

In 2007, they drafted (in order): Anthony Gonzalez, Tony Ugoh, Daymeion Hughes, Quinn Pitcock, Brannon Condren, Clint Session, Roy Hall, Michael Coe and Keyunta Dawson.

In 2008: Mike Pollak, Philip Wheeler, Jacob Tamme, Marcus Howard, Tom Santi, Steve Justice, Mike Hard, Pierre Garcon and Jamey Richard.

In 2009: Donald Brown, Fili Moala, Jerraud Powers, Austin Collie, Terrance Taylor, Curtis Painter, Pat McAfee, Jaimie Thomas.

In 2010: Jerry Hughes, Pat Angerer, Kevin Thomas, Jacques McClendon, Brody Eldridge, Ricardo Mathews, Kavell Conner, Ray Fisher.

I'd say: it was a LOT better when Bill Polian was in charge, not Chris.

[maufman]

Iirc, the Chiefs are something like $40mm under the cap, and they will need to add a lot of salary just to reach the minimum payroll the new CBA mandates starting next season. Would they be willing to put together a Ricky Williams-type package for Manning?

(The Jags are in a similar spot cap-wise, but they have too many other problems.)

[jsinger121]

2. The Colts can't trade 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.

http://sportsillustr...1/Week11/1.html

[mikeford]

@benmaller
Fox's Chris Myers reporting on FSR, after speaking with Colts Peyton Manning in Indy, he feels better than 50% chance Manning retires.

[bigsid05]

Wow what a potentially abrupt end to a stunning career. I loved seeing the Manning face but I'll miss watching him play if it comes to that.