Indianapolis Colts say not to make hasty call on top draft prize Andrew Luck signing-NFL News
The Indianapolis Colts said on Thursday, February 23, 2012, that they will not make a hasty move on the top draft prize, Andrew Luck, and rather wait for the player to pass the evaluation process at the National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine before
making their mind about his signing.
Colts, who are in a wait-and-see situation about return of the quarterback, Peyton Manning, will have an opportunity to watch the draft player while throwing football, possibly on Sunday, February 26, 2012.
Luck is coming to the Combine as a top seeded American college league player from the Stanford College and eligible for signing by Colts.
He will need to pass the league’s medical testing procedures and a psychological test scheduled for Friday, 24, 2012, before getting a chance to throw the ball in front of the potential suitors.
This is for the first time that Colts management and coaches will be watching the top draft pick throwing the ball in a professional league setup and in presence of NFL officials and staff.
Colts’ general manager, Ryan Grigson, is convinced of the player’s stature and game skills, based on his superb performance in the college league, where he finished atop.
Grigson said:
"He's a great player. The last guy in the last row of any stadium could tell you he's a great player. He's a great person, and an intelligent guy as are a lot of other guys here."
Yet, the manager said that they have not made their mind about signing Luck. When asked if the team is going to start negotiating with the player at the earliest opportunity, the manager responded in the negative.
He added:
"We're going to base a lot of our decisions on this week. It doesn't make sense to me to make any decisions until you have the evaluation process done."
The manager did not deny that the pending solution to the issue of Peyton Manning’s return to Colts was another factor holding them back from rushing to a conclusion.
Ryan Grigson emphasised:
“That's all being discussed. That's part of the whole week-seeing where we are as a team, seeing how the draft shapes up. There's just so much to this.”
Some reports have claimed that Manning has offered to redo his $90 million deal with Colts, and the decision on the matter is still pending as Colts’ apparently want to know about his health and fitness first.
It is certain that Colts are going to sign a draft pick, who could be used as a Manning’s replacement in the longer run.
Peyton might not be able to play for more than a couple of years even if he manages to return from his neck surgery.
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