For Colts fans preparing to order a customized Andrew Luck jersey in advance of the NFL draft, I offer these words of advice: not so fast, my friend.
Despite the fact that nearly every draft prognosticator suspects the Colts will select Luck with the first pick in the upcoming draft, Owner Jim Irsay proclaims the evaluation process is yet ongoing.
As ESPN's Dan Graziano reports, it appears as though the possibility of Robert Griffin III leapfrogging Luck is in play:
"I think they're both outstanding young men," Irsay said during a break in the owners meetings here Monday. "I don't think it's either-or, where only one of them is going to succeed. I think they're both going to be great."
Since they have the No. 1 pick, the Colts could, if they so choose, do a contract with Luck (or Griffin, or any player they want, actually) in advance of the draft.
"If we decided to do a deal early with one of them, that's something we could definitely look into," Irsay said. "But we're still in the evaluation process right now."
Griffin has gained steam in recent weeks after shining at both the combine and his pro day. Luck held his own at each event as well, but teams remain enamored with Griffin's sensational combination of athleticism and pure quarterbacking ability.
Regardless of whether Griffin or Luck is selected first, it's a virtual certainty that the remaining player will be taken by Washington with the second overall pick.
For more updates on the upcoming draft, head to Mocking The Draft.