A return of Andrew Luck is around the corner, but the question remains: Should the Indianapolis Colts spend a draft pick to solidify the quarterback position?
Many feel that the quarterback questions were answered when the Indianapolis Colts traded down from the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. And that answer was seemingly solidified by the news that Andrew Luck is indeed throwing footballs once more.
Perhaps the toughest thing for fans is the loyalty aspect. Luck is one of the most likable personalities in the NFL and it is hard not to root for him wholeheartedly — I know I do. That said, I am not so sure that a quarterback is not in general manager Chris Ballard’s plans.
The trade down from the third pick, at a glance, screams that they do not need another quarterback, but consider the details of the trade. They move down three spots and acquire two additional picks in the top 50 this year, being Nos. 37 and 49, along with a second next year. That sounds, as it is said, like “an offer you can’t refuse”.
Looking further, the sixth overall pick is still within range of a top quarterback prospect. There are four highly rated quarterbacks: Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield. Also factor in a strong likelihood that Saquon Barkley and Bradley Chubb will be top five picks. Add that with the additional depth at quarterback in Lamar Jackson and Mason Rudolph,and the Colts are not only in a good position to get one, but they have the additional picks in which to spend.
One further thought on the matter is Andrew Luck’s state of mind. Trading down says, “hey, we are behind you. No worries, focus on your recovery”. Taking a quarterback with the third pick, or sixth for that matter, says quite the opposite.
That said, this is the NFL and if you cater to an injured player you risk hurting the team in the long run. Everyone involved, especially the Indy faithful, fully understand the importance of a quality backup. This is Luck’s team and it will remain his team until he proves that he no longer has what it takes, or until a newcomer proves a higher worth. He has big shoes and that is no easy task, even for a top prospect.
I would not be surprised at all if a quarterback’s name is called with the sixth pick. That does not imply that Luck’s shoulder is not where it needs to be, simply that shoulders are fickle. Anything can happen, even after a full recovery. Trust me when I say, I know this for a fact. See the two pieces I wrote last year on Luck and my own struggles here, and here.
My point is that the Indianapolis Colts must find a quarterback capable of holding down the fort should a worst-case scenario happen. Would I take a top prospect at No. 6? I would not.
I would, however, jump on the chace to bring in Quenton Nelson, the top rated offensive lineman in this class. There is a chance Nelson would go before the sixth pick, but the alternative options would likely then include either Saquon Barkley or Bradley Chubb, and both would certainly be welcomed additions. Barkley would instantly take significant pressure off the quarterback as a do it all back, and Chubb would get the opposing teams worried about their own quarterback.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-round projection
An insurance policy behind Andrew Luck should certainly be addressed, but not until the second round or later. If Mason Rudolph falls into the second round I expect he will be in Indy for the 2018 season. Not only would you secure Luck’s health in the future by beefing up the offensive line, but address that nagging worst-case possibility with a very capable guy that could use some time before being thrown into action.