You won't find that here, because I think Luck is a phenomenal player and haven't wavered from that stance since getting an opportunity to watch him play.
But you've got to love what the Colts are trying now, though. They're putting out the word that they haven't yet decided between Luck and Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, who projects to be a really good player but still pales in comparison to Luck. So, even in the era of the rookie wage scale, the Colts are looking for leverage in future contract negotiations. We're onto you, Colts.
Let's set it up for Mock Draft VI.
1. Indianapolis Colts
2011 Record: 2-14
Positional Needs: Quarterback, cornerback, guard, center, defensive tackle, wide receiver, outside linebacker, safety
The Pick: Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck
Analysis: The Colts will make a few extra dollars if they draft Robert Griffin III, simply because all of those fans who have stocked up on outdated Peyton Manning gear and got ahead of the game and ordered Luck jerseys will now have to buy Griffin apparel, too. But from a football standpoint, Luck is the best option.
2. Washington Redskins
2011 Record: 2-14
Positional Needs: Quarterback, wide receiver, guard, cornerback, tackle, tight end, safety
The Pick: Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III
Analysis: The hype is real in Washington for Griffin. He's going to be a megastar with that fan base.
3. Minnesota Vikings
2011 Record: 3-13
Positional Needs: Tackle, wide receiver, cornerback, safety, guard, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, running back
The Pick: USC tackle Matt Kalil
Previous Pick: Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon
Analysis: With the array of choices the Vikings have with this pick, they could create a monopoly of feature backs by selecting Trent Richardson, which actually isn't the worst idea ever due to Adrian Peterson's knee injury. Yet, Kalil makes the most sense.
4. Cleveland Browns
2011 Record: 4-12
Positional Needs: Quarterback, wide receiver, running back, cornerback, defensive end, tackle, guard, outside linebacker
The Pick: LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne
Previous Picks: Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon, Alabama running back Trent Richardson
Analysis: It's tough to pass on Richardson with the Browns' offense the way it is, but they can get a running back later in the draft. The thought of pairing Claiborne — who is widely expected to be a star — with cornerback Joe Haden makes the Browns a scary defense.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2011 Record: 4-12
Positional Needs: Cornerback, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, wide receiver, tackle, guard, running back
The Pick: Alabama running back Trent Richardson
Previous Pick: LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne
Analysis: It's not good when the new head coach, Greg Schiano, calls out the running back, LeGarrette Blount, especially when it's the coach's first head job in the NFL and the running back is a hothead who has led the team in rushing for two straight seasons. Anyway, Schiano did wonders with Ray Rice at Rutgers, and he's clearly trying to upgrade the offense to compete with the NFC South. Richardson makes too much sense.
6. St. Louis Rams
2011 Record: 5-11
Positional Needs: Tackle, wide receiver, cornerback, guard, outside linebacker, safety, defensive tackle, running back
The Pick: Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon
Previous Pick: Alabama running back Trent Richardson
Analysis: Blackmon has his doubters, but the Rams need wide receivers in a bad way. Thing is, he's definitely going to be good, but can he be great like Calvin Johnson or A.J. Green, who have led prior draft classes? At least Blackmon is more of a sure thing than anyone they'll get later in the draft.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
2011 Record: 5-11
Positional Needs: Wide receiver, quarterback, cornerback, defensive end, safety, tackle
The Pick: South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram
Previous Pick: North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples
Analysis: The idea hasn't changed here in all six mock drafts. The Jaguars should get their chance to take the first pass rusher off the board.
8. Miami Dolphins
2011 Record: 6-10
Positional Needs: Quarterback, defensive end, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, inside linebacker, tight end, safety, wide receiver
The Pick: Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill
Previous Picks: Iowa tackle Riley Reiff, North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples
Analysis: Since free agent quarterbacks love turning down the Dolphins, they can at least try to force Tannehill to show up by drafting him.
9. Carolina Panthers
2011 Record: 6-10
Positional Needs: Defensive tackle, outside linebacker, inside linebacker, cornerback, safety, tackle, wide receiver
The Pick: Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe
Previous Picks: LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers, Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox
Analysis: The Panthers went for the home run last year with quarterback Cam Newton, and that worked out. Poe is a similar case. He looks the part, but there are questions about his progression to the NFL.
10. Buffalo Bills
2011 Record: 6-10
Positional Needs: Outside linebacker, cornerback, tackle, wide receiver, inside linebacker, defensive end
The Pick: Iowa tackle Riley Reiff
Previous Picks: South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram, USC defensive end Nick Perry
Analysis: Forget game day for a second, the Bills need a tackle to block their two pass-rushing additions just to get through 11-on-11s in practice.
11. Kansas City Chiefs
2011 Record: 7-9
Positional Needs: Tackle, defensive tackle, outside linebacker, quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, running back
The Pick: Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox
Previous Picks: Alabama running back Trent Richardson, Iowa tackle Riley Reiff
Analysis: The Chiefs have a lot of unfulfilled talent on the defensive line. Take another swing at it with Cox.
12. Seattle Seahawks
2011 Record: 7-9
Positional Needs: Defensive end, defensive tackle, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, cornerback, guard
The Pick: North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples
Previous Picks: Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still, Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill
Analysis: The Seahawks need a game-changer on defense. Coples looks like a hit-or-miss talent, but his ceiling is as the top pass rusher in the draft class.
13. Arizona Cardinals
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Tackle, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, guard, wide receiver, tight end, quarterback, cornerback
The Pick: Stanford guard David DeCastro
Previous Picks: Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly, Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin, Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw
Analysis: The Cardinals' offensive line isn't, well, good. DeCastro should be the second best lineman taken in the draft behind Matt Kalil.
14. Dallas Cowboys
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Cornerback, safety, guard, inside linebacker, defensive end, center, defensive tackle, outside linebacker
The Pick: Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick
Previous Pick: Stanford guard David DeCastro
Analysis: The Cowboys need an all-hands-on-deck approach to approve their pass defense.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Outside linebacker, safety, guard, wide receiver, defensive tackle, cornerback, inside linebacker
The Pick: Alabama safety Mark Barron
Previous Pick: Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly
Analysis: Eagles linebackers coach Mike Caldwell led Kuechly's workout at last week's BC pro day just a day after Philly acquired inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans. Don't be fooled, though. Caldwell committed to that workout a week in advance. Philly still needs a safety, and Barron is the best one in the class.
16. New York Jets
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Outside linebacker, safety, tackle, defensive tackle, wide receiver, tight end
The Pick: Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin
Previous Pick: Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw
Analysis: I'm second-guessing myself with the Martin selection. It seems far too responsible for the Jets to address a definite need on the offensive line.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
2011 Record: 9-7
Positional Needs: Cornerback, running back, wide receiver, safety, guard, defensive end
The Pick: Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd
Previous Picks: North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins, Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw
Analysis: With Floyd in the mix, the Bengals could potentially have the best offense in the defensive-driven AFC North.
18. San Diego Chargers
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Outside linebacker, safety, cornerback, wide receiver, tight end, guard, tackle
The Pick: Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw
Previous Picks: Stanford guard David DeCastro, Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn, USC defensive end Nick Perry
Analysis: This could be a home-run pick for the Chargers.
19. Chicago Bears
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Wide receiver, tight end, tackle, guard, safety, cornerback, running back
The Pick: Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright
Previous Pick: Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd
Analysis: It's tough for the Bears to lose Floyd after getting him in a string of mock drafts, but Wright showed some very strong playmaking ability at Baylor and could wreak havoc with defenses focused on wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
20. Tennessee Titans
2011 Record: 9-7
Positional Needs: Guard, center, safety, outside linebacker, defensive end, wide receiver
The Pick: Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly
Previous Pick: Stanford guard David DeCastro, Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus
Analysis: The Titans have greater needs on the defensive line, but they've shown interest in Kuechly, who could take over this defense for years to come.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
2011 Record: 9-7
Positional Needs: Cornerback, running back, wide receiver, safety, guard, defensive end
The Pick: North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins
Previous Picks: Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright, Alabama safety Mark Barron, Clemson defensive end Andre Branch
Analysis: With Jenkins and Michael Floyd, the Bengals will be on the short list of draft winners, regardless of how the next six rounds play out.
22. Cleveland Browns
2011 Record: 4-12
Positional Needs: Quarterback, wide receiver, running back, cornerback, defensive end, tackle, guard, outside linebacker
The Pick: USC defensive end Nick Perry
Previous Pick: Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin, Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn, North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins, Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright
Analysis: The draft's TV ratings should kill it in Ohio. That state has four of the draft's first 22 picks.
23. Detroit Lions
2011 Record: 10-6
Positional Needs: Cornerback, safety, tackle, center, defensive end, outside linebacker
The Pick: Ohio State tackle Mike Adams
Analysis: This should really come down to the best cornerback or tackle available. The player with the highest grade wins.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
2011 Record: 12-4
Positional Needs: Tackle, guard, cornerback, inside linebacker, defensive tackle, running back
The Pick: Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower
Previous Pick: Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn
Analysis: The responsible thing would be to upgrade the offensive line, but the Steelers need to fill a hole at inside linebacker due to the release of James Farrior, so it's understandable to keep building on defense while continuing to wing it with the offensive line.
25. Denver Broncos
2011 Record: 8-8
Positional Needs: Defensive tackle, inside linebacker, safety, cornerback, wide receiver, running back
The Pick: LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers
Previous Pick: Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe
Analysis: Brockers would be a really nice haul at this point in the draft for the defensive tackle-depleted Broncos.
26. Houston Texans
2011 Record: 10-6
Positional Needs: Wide receiver, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, guard, center, safety, cornerback
The Pick: Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill
Previous Picks: LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle, Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright
Analysis: The Texans have had one of the worst offseasons in the NFL, so they need to kill it in the draft.
27. New England Patriots
2011 Record: 13-3
Positional Needs: Safety, outside linebacker, defensive end, wide receiver, cornerback
The Pick: Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus
Previous Picks: Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still, LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers, Alabama safety Mark Barron
Analysis: This pick came down to Mercilus, Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy and South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Worthy or Gilmore would fit better with Bill Belichick's drafting history, but if the Patriots are staying in the 4-3, they need more help on the edge, even if Andre Carter returns.
28. Green Bay Packers
2011 Record: 15-1
Positional Needs: Outside linebacker, defensive end, safety, cornerback, running back
The Pick: Clemson defensive end Andre Branch
Previous Pick: Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still
Analysis: Still would make sense as a 5-technique defensive end, but the Packers need more of a downhill type to get after the passer opposite of Clay Matthews. They missed that in a big way in 2011.
29. Baltimore Ravens
2011 Record: 12-4
Positional Needs: Inside linebacker, wide receiver, tackle, center, safety, outside linebacker
The Pick: South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery
Previous Pick: Wisconsin center Peter Konz
Analysis: Jeffery seems like a perfect Raven. He's got some character issues, most of which involve his questionable desire to stay in shape, but there's a ton of talent hiding behind that.
30. San Francisco 49ers
2011 Record: 13-3
Positional Needs: Wide receiver, cornerback, guard, safety, outside linebacker, quarterback
The Pick: Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler
Previous Pick: South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn
Analysis: The 49ers' most pressing need on the offensive line is at right guard. If Stephon Gilmore is still around, though, he might be too enticing to pass up.
31. New England Patriots
2011 Record: 13-3
Positional Needs: Safety, outside linebacker, defensive end, wide receiver, cornerback, defensive tackle
The Pick: South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore
Previous Picks: Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, Clemson defensive end Andre Branch, LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers, Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still
Analysis: Belichick has no problems with overloading a position in the draft, and Gilmore has been one of the fastest risers over the last couple weeks. He might even be the second corner off the board, and if Belichick thinks that highly of him, he probably wouldn't let Gilmore fall past No. 27.
32. New York Giants
2011 Record: 9-7
Positional Needs: Inside linebacker, tight end, safety, cornerback, guard, defensive tackle, wide receiver
The Pick: Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn
Previous Pick: Wisconsin center Peter Konz, Virginia Tech running back David Wilson
Analysis: The Giants need to start thinking about an upgrade at each tackle position, and Glenn is widely viewed as a first-round prospect. It's hard to argue with that logic at the bottom of the opening round.
Fallen Out: Virginia Tech running back David Wilson
Previous Mocks: Mock Draft 1.0, Mock Draft 2.0, Mock Draft 3.0, Mock Draft 4.0, Mock Draft 5.0
Have a question for Jeff Howe? Send it to him via Twitter at @jeffphowe or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.
