Sources: Colts GM tells Luck he will be #1 pick

Colts GM Ryan Grigson addressed the media yesterday telling the world that indeed Andrew Luck will be the first pick in this years upcoming draft. This will be Grigson's first big move after the departure of Peyton Manning and will be his career defining move also.


This will now allow the Redskins to begin contract negotiations Robert Griffin III. The goal for both teams is to have something in place quickly so they can start OTAs and marketing to the fan base for the new season.

Colts fire Jim Caldwell; Is Peyton next to go?

After going 26-22 in two seasons, new GM Ryan Grigson has decided to let Jim Caldwell go after leading the Peyton-less Colts to a 2-14 season. Owner Jim Irsay has been busy remaking the Colts. Since the end of the season, he has parted ways with the Polians' whom are friends with Manning and Caldwell who was Manning's QB coach for his 4 MVP years.

Irsay and Grigson understand that the talent pool for coaches is rich, but timing will be critical. The Rams were able to sign Jeff Fisher away from the Dolphins after Miami decided to keep Jeff Ireland as GM. Fisher wanted full control.

Tony Dungy in all likelihood would not be an option since he is friends with Bill Polian, Jim Caldwell, and Peyton Manning. Hard to see him replacing friends.

The firing of Caldwell makes the vacancy the most attractive coaching option available. The new coach will have his choice of Peyton Manning and a #1 pick in the upcoming draft. Its a win-win situation. Irsay understands that, so expect a quick decision.

Robert Griffin III declares for the NFL draft; Should he be the #1 pick? Yes

The Colts have sole possession of the #1 pick in the upcoming draft. They face a big dilemma at the QB position as well all know.

Most experts seem to contend that Andrew Luck is the #1 pick. Reports started to surface last week that the Colts have already made the decision to draft Luck. Many point to the firing of Bill Polian, longtime architect of the Manning teams, and hiring of ex-Eagles Director of Personnel Ryan Grigson to clear the path to end the Peyton era.

Must I remind NFL fans that draft rumors are a bigger smoke screen than any magic trick in Vegas. Teams use the media to sway teams into panic trades to move up the draft board.

No matter who gets the pick, why is Andrew Luck a lock for #1? Sure he is great passer with excellent mechanics and a pro arm, but Griffin is the better pure athlete. After all, Griffin was awarded the best player in college football this season with the Heisman trophy. That means the best of any position.

Of all the QBs taken in the last two draft classes, only one is in the playoffs; Tim Tebow. Tebow was not the lock #1 pick either. Sam Bradford coming off an injury was selected by the St. Louis Rams #1 in 2010.

Tebow, like Griffin, won a Heisman award. Tebow like Griffin was a dual-threat QB. One could argue that last year's #1 pick Cam Newton belongs in the same class. Defenses in the new NFL are faster and blitz more now than ever. The QB position has become a hybrid position for pure athletes like Robert Griffin III. Luck took the opportunity during his bowl game to show off his running ability. He knows that QBs are having success earlier if they become dual threats.

GMs with a shot at either QB need to realize that you can't surround a pocket passer with enough talent through the draft in one year to make him a success. Use Sam Bradford as an example.  Pocket passers need great offensive lines and talent at the skill positions. Most teams drafting in the top 10 don't have that. Unless they would not be in the top 10.