The Race to get the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft is on
By DAVID LEBLANC
Contributing Writer
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 1, 2011
Halfway through the football season it is evident that certain teams are not only fighting for the lead in their respected divisions, but for last place as well. Teams like the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis colts may just in fact be fighting for the first round draft pick.
Some sports columnists have stated it as a race. They have coined the slogan “Suck for Luck”. But why would anyone actually be content with a losing record. After all isn’t the main point of playing a professional sport to win?
The teams who are fighting for the sole procession of last place made their intentions clear, that they want quarterback Andrew Luck out of Stanford University. As we can see, the quarterback is one of the most important positions on the football field. As seen in Indianapolis, when a Quarterback goes down, it turns a play-off contender to a 0-7 team.
Luck was reluctant to come out of college last year for the NFL draft. After a long process of debate, he finally concluded that he’ll play another year as a Stanford Cardinal. Luck is one of the most popular and awaited prospects since John Elway. Last year among the many awards that Luck was graced with was the runner up in the Heisman trophy. He also was the Orange Bowl MVP, Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, and an All American.
Many sports fans disapproved of Luck’s decision to stay in school. There are many things that could affect his placement in this year’s draft. If he had gone last year, he could have been as high as two, maybe even the number one overall.
People look at the rookies who have entered this year, as they begin to make their careers evident, names like Cam Newton and Blain Gabbert you can’t help but wonder where would’ve Luck fit in. Would he have been a stud or a dud? Regardless many things could happen in the season to come. What would have happened if he were to tear a muscle or break an arm? Would he go so high in this coming up draft?
Despite the critics Luck stayed at his beloved Stanford University and is doing quite well. Being the junior captain, as well as the criticism has seemed to only fuel him to succeed. Luck is having one of his most productive years as the Cardinals starting QB. Already throwing 20 touchdowns with a passing rating of 180.0, he is well on his way to becoming the number one overall pick.
Some even question whether he is a Heisman candidate. Looking at Luck’s numbers, we can see that he is on pace to have the best year of his career. With only three interceptions, and already 1,888 passing yards, what can’t Andrew Luck do?
Many teams want to find out. Some speculation has come about regarding this twenty-two year old phenom. It has been said that NFL teams such as the Dolphins and Redskins are looking to deal him right out of Stanford and into their uniforms. As Luck has already shown his fans, he can rise to almost any occasion.
With the NFL being a quarterback driven league, Luck can just sit back and enjoy the ride. Will this young superstar be the next Drew Brees and Tom Brady? Only the future can tell. But as it is seen now, there is nowhere for this Star to go but up.
