Andrew Luck arguably most gifted QB, Greg Cosell says
By Chris Wesseling
Around the League Writer
Andrew Luck recently told NFL Network's "NFL Total Access" that he feels "
100 percent more comfortable" this year than last. It's a scary thought for the rest of the AFC South.
NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell emphasized on the
Fantasy Guru's Post-Draft Review podcast that Luck could "absolutely" approach 30 touchdown passes this season as long as new coordinator Pep Hamilton doesn't change the entire offense.
"We're talking about, in my view, arguably the most physically gifted quarterback in the league," Cosell added. "
Andrew Luck is going to have a big year."
Cosell may get an argument from
Aaron Rodgers or
Robert Griffin III boosters, but it's certainly not an outlandish sentiment.
When I went back and watched
Indianapolis Colts tape in March, it was immediately evident that Luck's
pass protection was a joke last season. While read-option quarterbacks
Russell Wilson and
Robert Griffin III hogged the late-season spotlight, Luck's unbelievable pocket presence, movement and toughness went under-appreciated.
He's essentially
Peyton Manning before the snap and
Ben Roethlisberger after the snap.
Luck's protection should be much improved with the addition of veterans
Gosder Cherilus and
Donald Thomas as well as rookies Hugh Thornton and Khaled Holmes. His weapons should be better, too, with a healthy
Coby Fleener and an upgrade on
Donnie Avery in
Darrius Heyward-Bey.
Luck is going to be in the MVP conversation sooner rather than later.
More nuggets gleaned the
Fantasy Guru podcast:
>> Speaking of Roethlisberger, Cosell believes he's already starting to wear down due to his style of play. The
Steelers need a consistent running game to take pressure off him as he enters his 30s.
>> Cosell agrees with NFL.com's Ian Rapoport's
take on the Browns' quarterback situation: You can "take it to the bank" that
Brandon Weeden will be the starter.
>> Don't be surprised if fourth-round rookie Tyler Wilson is given a legitimate chance to start for the
Oakland Raiders.
>> Cosell believes second-round rookie Montell Ball is an "ideal fit" for the
Denver Broncos' offense, citing his burst, fluidity and ability to get skinny at point of attack. Although Cosell's one question was whether Ball could be a true foundation back at the NFL level, the former Wisconsin star has landed in the perfect offense. There's no feature back "in a strict sense" in
Peyton Manning's offense. Cosell believes Ball is already the best runner on the
Broncos roster.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
