Scout: 2012 draft 'could be a Manning thing all over again' (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Scout: 2012 draft 'could be a Manning thing all over again'

By Albert Breer NFL Network

NFL Network Reporter

Published: Oct. 19, 2011 at 01:51 p.m.

Updated: Oct. 19, 2011 at 03:56 p.m.

Hate to rain on everyone's "Suck for Luck" parade, but there is an under-the-radar storyline regarding the heralded Stanford quarterback that will soon be out there.

Think all your team has to do is finish 1-15 to get Andrew Luck? It might not be that easy. The presence of Luck's father, Oliver, is something league executives will be watching closely as we get closer to April. This well could be Eli Manning in 2004, or John Elway in 1983, if the Luck camp doesn't like the situation the highest picking team presents.

"Absolutely. I've heard that for the last two years," said one college scout, who's on the road and paid to ferret this stuff out. "There's no question that it could be a Manning thing all over again."

The Manning comparison, of course, arises because Archie Manning drove the bus on youngest son Eli forcing a trade from San Diego to New York. And don't get this twisted -- this isn't a criticism of Luck or his father, who is also the athletics director at West Virginia. They have the leverage, the next 10-15 years of Luck's life could be in the balance, and so it makes sense to use that power to find the right spot.

It's just that, based on the way Oliver and Andrew Luck have carefully orchestrated their decisions in the past, teams are expecting this circumstance to arise if the wrong team is sitting at No. 1.

"We talked about this before (Luck's sophomore) season started," said the scout. "Some people know the dad well, and the hands-on approach he has. In Andrew's defense, he seems pretty in control of everything. So I could see it being a mutual decision. And if he can control it, why play behind a (crappy) offensive line, or in a bad situation? He's gonna have that control. If he doesn't like the team there, all he has to do is voice that, and there'll be teams looking to trade up.

"The Luck camp has a ton of firepower here. More than anyone I can remember."

 

[LargeMouthBass]

Who's the true winner that Luck stayed in school? Not the 1-15 team winning the "Suck for Luck" sweepstakes but it's gotta be Carolina...

 

[Tony Reali]

He will refuse to play for anyone except Harbaugh.

 

[5Rings]

He will refuse to play for anyone except Harbaugh.

Pure speculation, or do you have any information?

 

[massraider]

Nice. That would add some sweet drama to Draft Day. I was in New York for that draft, that was good times.

 

[NBusiness]

He will refuse to play for anyone except Harbaugh.

Pure speculation, or do you have any information?

He actually dislikes harbaugh And would have left if he stayed

 

[Ashem]

If Luck doesn't get his way, then he should return for his senior year. That'll show the NFL who's boss.

 

[J-Dawg]

Oh great, this is just what Dolphin fans wanted to hear. It'll be just our "luck" to be so bad that we get the #1 pick but still don't land the #1 player

 

[YouthofToday]

I was expecting this story to come out soon. If he is as talented a prospect as many believe why wouldn't he do this? I know I would!

Seriously, why would he want to go to the Colts?

1. Peyton prevents him for playing time for 3-4 years.

2. The team is already old and not very talented.

3. The team has had a series of atrocious drafts -- Peyton has saved Polian his job.

4. By the time he takes over the team will be in even worse shape in all likelihood.

Miami would make a lot of sense, team has talent on both sides of the ball. The 'Fins just need a competent coach, QB and a few more solid drafts.

If Luck declares for the draft, gets selected by a team he doesn't want to play for then who, besides the Bungals, wouldn't trade him to ensure they didn't completely waste a #1 overall pick?

If Denver gets clarity on Tebow that he isn't their QB moving forward I could see Luck forcing whoever selected him to move him here.

Luck holds all the cards.

 

[FUBAR]

Unless he comes out and says which teams he wouldn't play for, it's all speculation, but that's half the fun of these boards...

Miami - seems to be a perfect spot for him, struggling right now but with Long, Bess and Marshall, he gets decent protection and receivers to work with. Would be compared to Marino, but not as often as Peyton. Coaching staff needs to improve.

Indy - Peyton's shadow and their best coach was on the field.

St. Louis - Not the best spot, already has a young franchise QB he'd contend with but little else to work with.

Carolina - See St. Louis, but Smith, a running game and better OL.

Minnesota - great RB to work with, but who wants to live in Minnesota?

Denver - Seems to be another decent spot but doesn't stand out.

If he wants to dictate where he goes, he'll probably end up in Miami. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sparano were gone.

 

[D.J.]

I read somewhere that the driving force for luck to want to choose to play sure a certain team is likely the coach of the team, not thw quality of the players currently there. Which makes sense. The quality of teams flactuates.so.much year to year, but working for a coaxh that has a system that plays to.your strengths or that ou know you work well with could be huge. Especially if he is as good as advertised because that.coach will likely keep his.job for a long time.

 

[Gatorman]

miami will likely hire a name coach and has enough pieces, weather, and a lack of income tax that should make it attractive to luck (since non of the nor-cal teams will be drafting high).

Marino's shadow is long gone on a team looking for the new face of the franchise.

Also, Miami's problem this year is really at QB. If you have a QB with accuracy on this team we would be 3-3, not 0-6.

Gator

PS> Finally, whoever takes over the front office would likely be willing to pay a king's ransom to land Luck even if we do not have the #1 pick.

 

[MNTom]

Unless he comes out and says which teams he wouldn't play for, it's all speculation, but that's half the fun of these boards...

Miami - seems to be a perfect spot for him, struggling right now but with Long, Bess and Marshall, he gets decent protection and receivers to work with. Would be compared to Marino, but not as often as Peyton. Coaching staff needs to improve.

Indy - Peyton's shadow and their best coach was on the field.

St. Louis - Not the best spot, already has a young franchise QB he'd contend with but little else to work with.

Carolina - See St. Louis, but Smith, a running game and better OL.

Minnesota - great RB to work with, but who wants to live in Minnesota?

Denver - Seems to be another decent spot but doesn't stand out.

If he wants to dictate where he goes, he'll probably end up in Miami. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sparano were gone.

After being drafted by MN teams, some athletes say something like that. But after getting here and realizing that for 7-8 months the weather is fantastic and the city of Minneapolis is a city with many things to do, many end up staying even after their playing careers are over. Yes, it gets cold. But it is not the icebox many imagine when thinking of MN.

 

[FUBAR]

Unless he comes out and says which teams he wouldn't play for, it's all speculation, but that's half the fun of these boards...

Miami - seems to be a perfect spot for him, struggling right now but with Long, Bess and Marshall, he gets decent protection and receivers to work with. Would be compared to Marino, but not as often as Peyton. Coaching staff needs to improve.

Indy - Peyton's shadow and their best coach was on the field.

St. Louis - Not the best spot, already has a young franchise QB he'd contend with but little else to work with.

Carolina - See St. Louis, but Smith, a running game and better OL.

Minnesota - great RB to work with, but who wants to live in Minnesota?

Denver - Seems to be another decent spot but doesn't stand out.

If he wants to dictate where he goes, he'll probably end up in Miami. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sparano were gone.

After being drafted by MN teams, some athletes say something like that. But after getting here and realizing that for 7-8 months the weather is fantastic and the city of Minneapolis is a city with many things to do, many end up staying even after their playing careers are over. Yes, it gets cold. But it is not the icebox many imagine when thinking of MN.

I'm actually kidding, as I could easily envision myself loving life up there.

 

[FUBAR]

I read somewhere that the driving force for luck to want to choose to play sure a certain team is likely the coach of the team, not thw quality of the players currently there. Which makes sense. The quality of teams flactuates.so.much year to year, but working for a coaxh that has a system that plays to.your strengths or that ou know you work well with could be huge. Especially if he is as good as advertised because that.coach will likely keep his.job for a long time.

I hadn't even considered it, but the Cardinals would be ideal for him. But they'd have to admit Kolb was a mistake.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

I never liked that about the NFL; stuck where you are drafted.

 

[Sabertooth]

Unless he comes out and says which teams he wouldn't play for, it's all speculation, but that's half the fun of these boards...

Miami - seems to be a perfect spot for him, struggling right now but with Long, Bess and Marshall, he gets decent protection and receivers to work with. Would be compared to Marino, but not as often as Peyton. Coaching staff needs to improve.

Indy - Peyton's shadow and their best coach was on the field.

St. Louis - Not the best spot, already has a young franchise QB he'd contend with but little else to work with.

Carolina - See St. Louis, but Smith, a running game and better OL.

Minnesota - great RB to work with, but who wants to live in Minnesota?

Denver - Seems to be another decent spot but doesn't stand out.

If he wants to dictate where he goes, he'll probably end up in Miami. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sparano were gone.

 

[FUBAR]

Unless he comes out and says which teams he wouldn't play for, it's all speculation, but that's half the fun of these boards...

Miami - seems to be a perfect spot for him, struggling right now but with Long, Bess and Marshall, he gets decent protection and receivers to work with. Would be compared to Marino, but not as often as Peyton. Coaching staff needs to improve.

Indy - Peyton's shadow and their best coach was on the field.

St. Louis - Not the best spot, already has a young franchise QB he'd contend with but little else to work with.

Carolina - See St. Louis, but Smith, a running game and better OL.

Minnesota - great RB to work with, but who wants to live in Minnesota?

Denver - Seems to be another decent spot but doesn't stand out.

If he wants to dictate where he goes, he'll probably end up in Miami. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sparano were gone.

Doesn't really matter as the point about the coach being key seems spot-on, but are you actually refuting my statement or just confused?

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Why is Carolina on the list?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

miami will likely hire a name coach and has enough pieces, weather, and a lack of income tax that should make it attractive to luck (since non of the nor-cal teams will be drafting high).Marino's shadow is long gone on a team looking for the new face of the franchise.Also, Miami's problem this year is really at QB. If you have a QB with accuracy on this team we would be 3-3, not 0-6.GatorPS> Finally, whoever takes over the front office would likely be willing to pay a king's ransom to land Luck even if we do not have the #1 pick.

Exactly.Miami has stunk the last 10 years but it has a rich tradition and Super Bowl trophies in the case. this is not the Bucs via early 80s, or the Colts in the 80s, or the Bolts when Eli was coming out...I think it's the media trying to make up a story and give this kid a black eye. I don't see any reason why Luck would stick his finger up at Miami, assuming the Dolphins are even in a position to get him. Kinda silly but they have to sell newspapers and ad space.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

Unless he comes out and says which teams he wouldn't play for, it's all speculation, but that's half the fun of these boards...

Miami - seems to be a perfect spot for him, struggling right now but with Long, Bess and Marshall, he gets decent protection and receivers to work with. Would be compared to Marino, but not as often as Peyton. Coaching staff needs to improve.

Indy - Peyton's shadow and their best coach was on the field.

St. Louis - Not the best spot, already has a young franchise QB he'd contend with but little else to work with.

Carolina - See St. Louis, but Smith, a running game and better OL.

Minnesota - great RB to work with, but who wants to live in Minnesota?

Denver - Seems to be another decent spot but doesn't stand out.

If he wants to dictate where he goes, he'll probably end up in Miami. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sparano were gone.

After being drafted by MN teams, some athletes say something like that. But after getting here and realizing that for 7-8 months the weather is fantastic and the city of Minneapolis is a city with many things to do, many end up staying even after their playing careers are over. Yes, it gets cold. But it is not the icebox many imagine when thinking of MN.

It's a fantastic city. Very active, great fanbase, great people in general. But I think you are actually understating the weather thing. These guys' "on time" is Fall/Winter obviously, and the MN winters are LONG. For me, it's not how cold the Winters get, it's how long they are. While a lot of them I'm sure can adapt, most are probably not "winter" kind of people (please no one read something into this that is not there). There is a reason guys gravitate toward places like Miami, where you can see girls in bikinis at any given time of the year.Also, MN state tax with it's progressive scale is going to be nearly the worst in the nation for high income folks. Since rookies are now slotted, and even the top picks are no longer getting the king's ransom, that could become a real factor for them. I suspect the size and nature of the local market is going to become a bigger factor as well.

 

[FavreCo]

I don't see it happening. I still don't know why Manning didn't want to be in SD and wtf would he want to be in NY? Archie was probably drunk. I thought SD was the better team at the time. Tomlinson & Gates to start with. Gomer went from the so called worst team to the 4th worst. Big f'n deal.

It's not like they are going to get to go to a good team. Good teams already have their QB. Sure some would take Luck over what they have but I doubt they really force the issue. He's going to a #### team. That's the bottom line.

 

[Sabertooth]

Unless he comes out and says which teams he wouldn't play for, it's all speculation, but that's half the fun of these boards...

Miami - seems to be a perfect spot for him, struggling right now but with Long, Bess and Marshall, he gets decent protection and receivers to work with. Would be compared to Marino, but not as often as Peyton. Coaching staff needs to improve.

Indy - Peyton's shadow and their best coach was on the field.

St. Louis - Not the best spot, already has a young franchise QB he'd contend with but little else to work with.

Carolina - See St. Louis, but Smith, a running game and better OL.

Minnesota - great RB to work with, but who wants to live in Minnesota?

Denver - Seems to be another decent spot but doesn't stand out.

If he wants to dictate where he goes, he'll probably end up in Miami. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sparano were gone.

Doesn't really matter as the point about the coach being key seems spot-on, but are you actually refuting my statement or just confused?

I'm refuting your statement. Carolina's running game is anemic at best.

 

[Multiple Scores]

He will only play for Harbaugh and the 49ers.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

Endorsements. That's what it's about. Bigger market+better team=more endorsements.

 

[Warrior]

He'll want to play for Washington.

Elite coach: check

Elite defense: check

Great location: check (nation's capitol!)

Talent on offense: check (Moss, Cooley, and whoever else they draft to play WR)

Big market: check (#2 valued team in the entire NFL and DC is a huge market)

QB situation: perfect. He can start day-1 with no contorversies.

They also have a few young O-line prospects that will improve.

Now...if they can only lose the rest of their games or trade up...

 

[emge]

Unless he comes out and says which teams he wouldn't play for, it's all speculation, but that's half the fun of these boards...

Miami - seems to be a perfect spot for him, struggling right now but with Long, Bess and Marshall, he gets decent protection and receivers to work with. Would be compared to Marino, but not as often as Peyton. Coaching staff needs to improve.

Indy - Peyton's shadow and their best coach was on the field.

St. Louis - Not the best spot, already has a young franchise QB he'd contend with but little else to work with.

Carolina - See St. Louis, but Smith, a running game and better OL.

Minnesota - great RB to work with, but who wants to live in Minnesota?

Denver - Seems to be another decent spot but doesn't stand out.

If he wants to dictate where he goes, he'll probably end up in Miami. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sparano were gone.

Miami also has a running game too, a running out of bounds game that is, as Marshall did on Monday when he could have ran all the way to the end zone.

 

[Jayrod]

Out of the bottom seven teams in the league with one or zero wins (MIA, IND, STL, ARZ, CAR, MIN, DEN), 3 already have a franchise QB (IND, STL & CAR). If one of them finish with the worst record, then I think they either trade out or draft Luck and trade. IND is the wild card in that Peyton is aging and just missed an entire season with a neck injury. Could see the Colts taking Luck possibly, but if Peyton fully recovers, he has 4-6 years left of quality football in him. That is a long time for a player of Luck's caliber to be sitting on your bench.

DEN is interesting in that Tebow could win them enough games to get out of the top pick and then solidify his chance at holding the job into next year, but if they lose and end up with the #1 pick, DEN will take Luck, where I'm sure he'd be happy to play. I honestly expect Denver to win a couple of games with Tebow and since they are already at 1-4, I doubt they finish with the worst record.

That leaves MIA, ARZ & MIN as team who need Luck and could finish with the #1. I don't see Luck having a problem with any of these places. ARZ has a good coach and a couple of good skill position players in Fitz and Wells. MIN has Peterson and a defense that has been good in the last couple of years. Not sure on Frazier as a head coach, though. MIA could be great, especially if they could land Cowher as head coach. How great would that be. MIA finishes 0-16 or 1-15, hires Cowher and drafts Luck. The Phins would be an enormous story next season.

 

[Tony Reali]

He'll want to play for San Francisco. Elite coach: checkElite defense: checkGreat location: check (bay area! close to home!)Talent on offense: check (Crabtree, Vernon, Gore, Hunter, Morgan and whoever else they draft to play WR)Big market: check (team that doesn't just have value based on large free agent signings, large market and greatest history)QB situation: perfect. He can start day-1 with no contorversies.They also have a few young O-line prospects that will improve.Now...if they can only lose the rest of their games or trade up...

 

[Reepicheep]

I'm not familiar with team ownership across the league, or rookie signing rules. Any team owners in the Luck sweepstakes stubborn enough to draft him even if he has declared he is unwilling to play for the team? If they called his bluff could they make him sit with no pay for a year? What are the rules if a rookie won't agree to any contract?

 

[FUBAR]

Unless he comes out and says which teams he wouldn't play for, it's all speculation, but that's half the fun of these boards...

Miami - seems to be a perfect spot for him, struggling right now but with Long, Bess and Marshall, he gets decent protection and receivers to work with. Would be compared to Marino, but not as often as Peyton. Coaching staff needs to improve.

Indy - Peyton's shadow and their best coach was on the field.

St. Louis - Not the best spot, already has a young franchise QB he'd contend with but little else to work with.

Carolina - See St. Louis, but Smith, a running game and better OL.

Minnesota - great RB to work with, but who wants to live in Minnesota?

Denver - Seems to be another decent spot but doesn't stand out.

If he wants to dictate where he goes, he'll probably end up in Miami. But I wouldn't be surprised if Sparano were gone.

Doesn't really matter as the point about the coach being key seems spot-on, but are you actually refuting my statement or just confused?

I'm refuting your statement. Carolina's running game is anemic at best.

The Panthers are #10 in rushing yards, #4 in rushing TDs. The Rams are 27th and 2nd to last. Granted, some of that is Cam, but even if you remove Cam's rushing stats, the Panthers still have ran for more yards and TDs than the Rams.

 

[netnalp]

I don't see it happening. I still don't know why Manning didn't want to be in SD and wtf would he want to be in NY? Archie was probably drunk. I thought SD was the better team at the time. Tomlinson & Gates to start with. Gomer went from the so called worst team to the 4th worst. Big f'n deal.It's not like they are going to get to go to a good team. Good teams already have their QB. Sure some would take Luck over what they have but I doubt they really force the issue. He's going to a #### team. That's the bottom line.

I think the NY market over the SD market was a big factor.If this is true about Luck, I think it just encourages whomever has the first pick to take him and trade their current QB or Luck.

 

[Shane Falco]

He wants to play for the Dream Team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't see it happening. I still don't know why Manning didn't want to be in SD and wtf would he want to be in NY? Archie was probably drunk. I thought SD was the better team at the time. Tomlinson & Gates to start with. Gomer went from the so called worst team to the 4th worst. Big f'n deal.It's not like they are going to get to go to a good team. Good teams already have their QB. Sure some would take Luck over what they have but I doubt they really force the issue. He's going to a #### team. That's the bottom line.

I think Archie had issues with AJ Smith. Shocking, I know.

 

[Jules Winnfield]

Not a Viking fan at all and I live in Minnesota so can someone help me out.

Doesn't Minnesota think Ponder is the QB of the future? Why would they want Luck?

 

[FUBAR]

Not a Viking fan at all and I live in Minnesota so can someone help me out.Doesn't Minnesota think Ponder is the QB of the future? Why would they want Luck?

If you're dating a 7, wouldn't you dump her for a 10?

 

[Jules Winnfield]

What if Ponder does okay? How do we know Luck is a 10?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

He ends up in Miami, it's a lock.

 

[Jules Winnfield]

He ends up in Miami, it's a lock.

That is my team so I hope so.

 

[netnalp]

I could see Schneider going after him hard. As a Giants fan, I hope the 'Skins don't get him.

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

Not a Viking fan at all and I live in Minnesota so can someone help me out.Doesn't Minnesota think Ponder is the QB of the future? Why would they want Luck?

If you're dating a 7, wouldn't you dump her for a 10?

I think that's sort of the point of this report. We don't know which teams Oliver Luck and by extension Andrew are going to favor. That 10 might just end up jilting you at the alter at which point the loyal 7 starts looking pretty good to you.

 

[Mr. Fusion]

What if Ponder does okay? How do we know Luck is a 10?

I guess they'll find out soon. With Ponder starting they'll have plenty of time to figure it out. If Ponder is "okay" then they'll draft Luck. I think he'll end up in Miami, which I don't want as a Bills fan. Sometimes it's nice for your team bottom out a couple of times, if you draft well you end up with some great players and a solid team a few years down the road.

 

[FUBAR]

What if Ponder does okay? How do we know Luck is a 10?

If Ponder does okay from here on out, I'm speculating that Minnesota won't be in the running (barring injuries to Allen, AD, etc.) But if they're in position to take him without giving up the farm, I think they take him. We don't "know" Luck is a 10, but he's as close as we've seen in many years.