Andrew Luck is Even More Valuable Than You Think

Everyone knows that Luck is one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. But when you look at the numbers a little closer, he has been even more valuable than people think.

Andrew Luck has been the face of Indianapolis since he was drafted in 2012. He was the number one overall pick in that draft, and has played like it. The Colts made it to the playoffs in his very first year, and then made it back the next two years.

Luck has all the tools to be successful in the NFL. He has the size and strength that most GM’s salivate over. He has been a weapon for the Colts when he’s been on the field. But that has been part of the Colts overall problem. He hasn’t been on the field enough.

Luck has taken a beating since he’s been in Indy. He has been the most hit quarterback in the league since he’s been drafted. His injuries are a large part why the Colts have struggled the past few seasons. Luck suffered a lacerated kidney in 2015 and that forced him to miss nine games. That missed time forced the Colts to miss the playoffs at 8-8.

He also missed a game in 2016 with a concussion, and also played through a shoulder injury through most of the season. That shoulder injury required off-season surgery, and of course forced him to miss all of this season.

If you look at games in which Luck has not played in, the Colts are a paltry 8-16. Luck is clearly a large part of the success the Colts have. They need to protect him at all costs. Offensive line upgrades must be at the top of the priority list for GM Chris Ballard.

Next: 5 Potential Targets if the Colts Trade Down in the Draft

The Colts are hoping Luck is completely healthy for next season. If he is, the Colts can pick up some more wins and put some pressure on Jacksonville and Tennessee for the divisional title.