Andrew luck was drafted first overall by the Indianapolis Colts, to no one’s surprise. Other QBs drafted in the first round of this years draft include Robert Griffin III (Redskins), Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins), and Brandon Weedon (Browns), But do any of them stand a realistic chance of playing, and playing well?
Time and time again we have seen a young QB get drafted first overall and get thrown into a starting position for a team that finished in the basement of the standings. We have seen guys like Ryan Leaf, JaMarcus Russell, Matt Leinhart, and Joe Harrington fail miserably before celebrating their 25th birthday.
The amount of money these kids recieve is way more than their worth. In 2010, the St. Louis Rams picked Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford first overall in the NFL draft. The following summer, he signed a six-year, $78 million deal that included $50 million in guaranteed bonus money, all before playing a single down in the NFL.
My thoughts are that aside from Newton, who certainly answered the bell last year, not since Peyton Manning have we seen a first overall pick earn their money early in their careers. I believe Andrew Luck will have an unsuccessful season as he has a limited chance of playing, despite being on such a weak team. The other first round quarterbacks will see similar results if they are rushed into the position. A smarter approach would be to adopt a system like Green Bay, who had Aaron Rogers sitting behind Brett Favre for a few years learning what it takes to be a big-time pivot in the National Football League. Best of luck, Luck.
…and that is the last word.
