Could Ryan Mallet go to the Colts?

[Hitman21ST]

The linked article doesn't mention Mallet by name, but it is somewhat related:

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000d5d81f2ba76/article/polian-colts-could-select-mannings-successor-in-this-draft?module=HP_headlines

We all know that Manning is going to be resigned by the Colts for next year, and that he still has at least two or three good years left.

That being said, all the quarterbacks in this year's draft are said to be "projects" - those who take two to three years to develop and fine tune their skills to get ready to start. Most, if not all that are drafted in the first two rounds, however, will probably start in year one, based on how many teams need a quarterback.

The Colts DO have that luxury - to be able to develop the successor to Peyton while he is still producing at a high level. Ryan Mallet is the closest thing to a pure pocket passer in this year's draft. He's not mobile by any means, but he has a rocket for an arm and can be deadly accurate. He also shows a good handle of his team's offense and how to run an offense (makes the right reads, etc).

According to Bill Polian, the Colts are considering quarterbacks high in the draft, and would pull the trigger "in the right situation."

Mallet makes a lot of sense to me for the Colts because he is a similar player to Manning (not mobile by any means, but a great passer). Yes, he does have the "character issues" that have been rehashed over and over on the boards, but that's another positive for drafting and sitting him. They sign him to a three year deal or so, and those years that he's learning from Peyton, you give him a chance to polish up that questionable character. If he doesn't, they don't re-sign him. If he does, he becomes their next franchise QB.

Back in 2005, the Packers surprised everyone by drafting Aaron Rodgers in the first round. They probably had more pressing needs than a backup to Favre, and their 4-12 season backed that up. However, they were drafting for the future, and it has certainly come back and paid off substantially. Do the Colts have more pressing needs than a backup to Manning? Probably. Wide Receiver, O-Line, and Linebacker comes to mind. But they could pull a Packers and try to follow the same route back to the Super Bowl.

Ryan Mallet could be their Aaron Rodgers.

[Sweet Sassy Molassy]

I feel like the Colts need to bolster their O-line and Defense more than they need to focus on a QB, but Peyton wont be around forever and with the right mentoring Mallett could be a great QB so if could be a perfect match. But it really depends on what the Colts are focusing on, Manning's eventually retirement, or their mediocre d and marginal O-line.

[Hitman21ST]

I feel like the Colts need to bolster their O-line and Defense more than they need to focus on a QB, but Peyton wont be around forever and with the right mentoring Mallett could be a great QB so if could be a perfect match. But it really depends on what the Colts are focusing on, Manning's eventually retirement, or their mediocre d and marginal O-line.

"Quarterback's an issue, probably not a front-burner issue, but an issue nonetheless because while Peyton's not at the end of his career, it's approaching faster than it has in the past," Polian said.

"I don't know that you're going to find his eventual replacement drafting 22nd," said Polian, whose Colts have six total picks in the draft. "And whether or not you would use that choice on a quarterback in an unsettled labor situation, where you don't know what kind of contract that's going to be signed, is another issue. That said, I don't think you can dismiss it."

[TheREALJBird]

Can't think of a much better situation for a QB that's not gonna start right away than to sit behind and learn from Peyton Manning

[LaRonDontLikeUgly]

Peyton Manning is a FRESH 35... The guy never gets hit! You can't even sack him in Madden if you play the computer! The guy literally averages 1 sack per game... over 13 seasons that's totally unreal.

To say that he has 2-3 good years left is a joke.

He racked up the most yards of his entire career last year and will play until he's 40 for sure. They can wait for at least 2 years before even considering drafting a QB for the future and just avoid this headcase Mallet all together.

[Hiro]

They'll likely just draft a young, developmental guy in the later rounds, like they have with Curtis Painter and Jim Sorgi in the past.

It's always a bad idea to try and groom a successor too soon. Look at what happened with Tommy Maddox being drafted by Denver. Albeit, Elway was younger than Manning is currently, but drafting a QB early signals to your franchise QB that you're keeping an eye on the future really soon. It was more prudent the way the Packers did it, when retirement rumblings of Favre were quite loud and out there.

Peyton isn't going to retire any time soon. I see this happening in probably 2-3 years from now, give or take. Same thing with Brady.

[DWinzit]

Back in 2005, the Packers surprised everyone by drafting Aaron Rodgers in the first round.

It wasn't a big surprise. Favre was aging and the retiring drama had already begun. Finding his future replacement and insurance was on GB's agenda. As Rogers slipped draft days most eyes were on GB to take him, even talk of them moving up to grab him.

[Mahons21]

Sounds like the Colts are sending out smoke signals. I assume that like most other teams the Colts would like to trade back, and at the 22nd position they stand in good spot for a team to trade into to ensure they get "their guy," as far as the 2nd tier of QBs are concerned. In addition to that by threatening to take a QB themselves the Colts make the threat all that much more real for teams nervous that their 2nd tier QB will be drafted before they're on the clock.