The Indianapolis Colts and Andrew Luck seemed like an inevitable pairing all the way back in October when reports first surfaced that Colts owner Jim Irsay was taking in some of Luck’s games first-hand.
It has long been speculated that the Colts would be drafting the top QB prospect since Peyton Manning and only another late season win could have prevented this scenario.
Luck will join a struggling Colts team which was molded to fit Peyton Manning and his style of play…he also has some pretty big shoes to fill.
Luck may never be as good as Peyton Manning overall, but if he can bring them to the playoffs year after year than his tenure as a Colt should be considered a success.
Fantasy Impact:
Andrew Luck – Luck will be a hot dynasty league commodity but may not reach QB1 status until his second or third year in the league. Reggie Wayne will provide him with an excellent target but with defenses focusing on keeping him in check Luck will have to rely on Austin Collie to stay healthy and Donnie Avery to return to his pre-injury form. Luck looks like a QB2 with potential QB1 upside depending on the opponent.
Reggie Wayne – Reggie Wayne should remain a WR2 with Luck coming to town but has the ability to find himself back in the top-10 over the second half of the season. If Avery can return to form than Wayne could have a great season, if he cannot Wayne should hope the Colts draft a talented second day wide receiver.
Delone Carter/Donald Brown – There should be more space for the running game vis a vis the 2011 season. Carter and Brown could form a formidable tandem as both have legitimate upside. We cannot discount the Colts adding another back through the draft but the fact remains that whoever gets the starting nod here will likely be nothing more than a flex option with RB3 upside.
Donnie Avery – Avery could have quite the season if the Colts do not add any other receivers. A talented receiver with some of the best wheels of any wideout in the NFL, Avery will stretch the field when healthy and may have a career year as a number two option beside Reggie Wayne. By mid-season we see Avery alleviating some pressure off of Wayne as opposing defenses will be forced to contend with his blistering speed. Avery is a flex2 option with WR3 upside.
Austin Collie – If healthy Collie could become Luck’s favorite target. A highly efficient receiver Collie will benefit from all the coverage Wayne and even Avery will receive on vertical routes allowing him to excel on short to intermediate routes. Collie is an enigma with WR2 upside and a flex2 floor. When drafting pay no more than low end WR3 value for him.
