The 1997 NFL Draft

[thunderraiden]

Okay guys, so take a look at it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_NFL_Draft

Notice who picked first.

Now, imagine them picking first if this guy didn't feel this way about college:

"My college experience was a really good one, so I decided to stay all four years," Peyton said. "I just didn't want to look back and say I wish I would have stayed my senior year. That's really what it was in a nutshell. I just kind of wanted to be a senior in college. I had already completed my degree in three years, so, I knew I had a chance to slow things down a little bit. I had the opportunity to really take everything in and create a lot of memories for myself and I'm certainly glad I did. For months I was asked the same question repeatedly every day: 'why did you really stay?' I just wanted to enjoy being a college senior. For some reason people had a very hard time believing that."

http://www.peytonmanning.com/Pages/Main/About/early_years.htm

Rich, NFL QB dad, both in junior year of college, both smart.

I think history might repeat itself and we wind up becoming the St. Louis Rams whilst the team with the #1 pick next year becomes a force for the next two decades... I am afraid... so very afraid.

[Grammer]

with jimmy clausen, picking the number 1 every year is almost a given

[Carl Spackler]

Wait, so you're saying we're going to pick an All-Pro OT and win the Super Bowl in 2 years?

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

Wait, so you're saying we're going to pick an All-Pro OT and win the Super Bowl in 2 years?

Well when you put it that way

[Vagrant]

It looks a lot more bleak when you consider the team that owned the 1st overall pick that year was actually the New York Jets as opposed to the Rams, who traded into that slot for their 6th overall pick, 3rd and 4th and 6th round picks.

It didn't work out so well for them.

[Awesomeness!!]

We can not go into next year with Jimmy as our starter............

....Unless you want to be picking first next year as well..

[Sam Mills Fan]

Pick AJ Green this year, get #1 pick again next year with Clausen at QB, pick Luck next year. Andrew Luck AND AJ Green baby!

[Cyberjag]

There's one thing that may make a difference. Manning had Fulmer, who wasn't going anywhere. Luck has Harbaugh, and if he comes here there's a nice incentive.

[Awesomeness!!]

I wouldn't mind trading down and picking Locker/Newton if Luck stays though.

[jtnc]

I wouldn't mind trading down and picking Locker/Newton if Luck stays though.

Me neither. It's obvious our O-line needs some help.

[Cyberjag]

Who would be worth trading up to get at number one if Luck isn't there?

[Boltergeist]

And just think had he declared in 97. First off, no way in hell Parcells is trading that pick - so you'd have the Jets with Peyton and Parcells. With no Peyton in 98, you'd have Leaf likely in Indy - he could've wrecked them right into LA.

[MHS831]

with jimmy clausen, picking the number 1 every year is almost a given

how long do you think clausen starts w/ a new coach? If we don't get Luck, we sign a vet,

[brandon_87]

We can not go into next year with Jimmy as our starter............

....Unless you want to be picking first next year as well..

well if we pick first next year at least we can get Luck if he doesn't come out this year..

plus, what is up with people saying "draft aj green"? drafting a WR with r first pick is not only stupid, but we might as well hire Matt Millen as our GM cuz thats where we would be headed