Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford

A no-brainer pick for the franchise in the midst of a massive overhaul. The Bill Polian-Peyton Manning era is officially over in Indianapolis and whether Manning remains the starter or not, the future of the Colts will depend on the success of the Stanford prodigy. There won’t be any suspense surrounding the first pick in April, this one is already set.

Matt Kalil – OT – USC

Many experts feel this pick will be up for sale with teams pushing hard for the next highest ranked signal-caller, Robert Griffin III. If the Rams keep this pick, they will be using it to aid Sam Bradford. Many expect the team to seek out a true #1 wide receiver here, but Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon is not in the elite Calvin Johnson/A.J. Green league. No offensive line allowed more sacks during the 2011 season and Matt Kalil provides St. Louis with an elite blind-side protector for the foreseeable future.

Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford

A no-brainer pick for the franchise in the midst of a massive overhaul. The Bill Polian-Peyton Manning era is officially over in Indianapolis and whether Manning remains the starter or not, the future of the Colts will depend on the success of the Stanford prodigy. There won’t be any suspense surrounding the first pick in April, this one is already set.

Matt Kalil – OT – USC

Many experts feel this pick will be up for sale with teams pushing hard for the next highest ranked signal-caller, Robert Griffin III. If the Rams keep this pick they will be using it to aid Sam Bradford. No offensive line allowed more sacks during the 2011 season and Kalil gives St. Louis an elite blind-side protector.

Riley Reiff – OT – Iowa

The Vikings are stuck between a rock and a hard place here. If they are unable to trade out of this spot, it makes sense that the Vikings would attempt to supplement young Christian Ponder by drafting a receiver or offensive lineman. In this scenario, Minnesota reaches for one of the class’ elite pass blockers. Reiff steps in right away and provides a huge upgrade at left tackle.

Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford

This is probably the least surprising selection of this draft. By now, I’m sure you have basked in the greatness that is Andrew Luck. He is the safest QB prospect to come out in a long time and would go #1 in pretty much any draft due to the importance of the position. With Peyton Manning’s neck problems continuing to be a concern, the Colts can’t afford to take a chance and pass up on Luck.

Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford*

It will get ugly this year in Indy without Peyton Manning under center. The Colts, in a position of luxury, have the opportunity to insure their star and groom his eventual replacement. Luck is a remarkably cerebral quarterback who could benefit from learning under an all-time great at the position.

Landy Jones – QB – Oklahoma*

Expect the Seahawks’ passing offense to falter in 2011 with Tavaris Jackson at the helm behind a battered offensive line. Seattle needs an upgrade at the quarterback position and it may be too tempting to pass here. Landry Jones has all the physical tools and is poised for a huge year, but he must be more consistent to warrant this high selection.

Quinton Coples – DE – North Carolina

With the offense showing some life in Carolina, the front office may choose to target the defensive line if faced with another high pick. Greg Hardy has shown ability at left end, but Coples would be a significant upgrade against the run. The current Tarheel possesses great size and has shown power at the point of attack.

Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford*

If the Bengals are picking here, the Andy Dalton experiment has gone horribly wrong (as expected), and they can smile and select the best college QB since Peyton Manning. Luck has all-pro type ability and potential.

Matt Barkley – QB – USC*

See above and insert Chad Henne. Look, we all know this is a QB driven league and the Dolphins need one in the worst way. Barkley has great tools and should put together a huge season in So. Cal if he stays healthy.

Alshon Jeffery – WR – South Carolina*

Coples could be an option here, but I see Carolina doing everything to give Cam Newton as much talent around him as possible. The 6’4″ 230 lb. Jeffery is a physical specimen who has the stats to back up his talent.

Landry Jones – QB – Oklahoma*

It’s no surprise that the teams projected to pick at the top of this draft all have serious QB concerns. Washington wanted a QB in the draft last year but couldn’t make it happen. Jones has the size and ability to be an elite player.

Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford*

After struggling badly in the first two preseason games, Andy Dalton played dramatically better against Carolina, completing 11 of 17 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. While a positive development, it’s important to note that the same Panthers defense was picked apart by Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne, who’s anything but a franchise QB.

Hopefully, Dalton will continue to improve, but he’s still battling the prospect of the team drafting Andrew Luck. To keep Luck out of Cinci, he’ll have to excel against the AFC North’s tough defenses. Also, his arm strength will be tested as the Ohio weather gets increasingly awful.
 
If the team’s season’s wrecked by poor QB play, the Bengals won’t be able to pass on Luck. The Stanford quarterback possesses the ideal attributes for an NFL quarterback, especially when it comes to leadership and poise. He adeptly maneuvers within the pocket and has the strong arm to cut through cold December winds. For proof, check out the long ball Luck torqued while being dragged down by an Arizona State d-lineman.
 
He’s the type of quarterback who can turn around a moribund franchise. So if Dalton reverts to his early preseason form, the front office and fans alike will be happy to receive the ultimate consolation prize.