Jim Irsay watched Peyton Manning hoist the first Super Bowl trophy under his leadership in 2006 as the owner of the Indianapolis Colts.
Indianapolis selected Andrew Luck with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Luck had the potential to be exceptional, but injuries forced him into early retirement after 2018. The Colts have tried to patch up a bad tire with Carson Wentz, Philip Rivers, and Matt Ryan; however, all were disasters. Irsay and Colts fans want to return to the glory years under Manning, but it starts with selecting the right quarterback. Four names — Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis — are projected to go in the top 10 in April, but Irsay is most interested in Young. He let the cat out of the bag in a press conference when he said “the Alabama guy looks good.” Irsay has an opportunity to make his vision a reality, but will he do it? Indianapolis has the No. 4 overall pick, but it could work out a trade with the Chicago Bears to move up to No. 1. ESPN analyst Booger McFarland, an LSU alum, details why the Colts need to restart its franchise with Young.
“They need a quarterback,” McFarland said about the Colts. “They have to go get one, and I think it’s Bryce Young. To me, don’t overthink it. Yes, he is small, but the quarterback position is about accuracy, delivering the football on time, and decision-making. Indy needs a quarterback. Enough of the retreads. Enough of the Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan, go get your quarterback. To me, the best quarterback in this draft is Bryce Young.”
He played for LSU, but all Alabama fans can agree with McFarland’s statement.
Young is not throwing at the NFL Combine, but he will work out at Alabama’s pro day.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
