Mike Wells, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Colts' best draft pick Peyton Manning turned Indiana into a football state

Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf?

That’s a decision the Indianapolis Colts had to make with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 draft. They selected Manning and the quarterback rewarded them by leading them to countless victories, countless playoffs appearances and a Super Bowl title while making Indiana a football state.

Leaf?

He flamed out of the NFL after just three seasons.

Why Manning is best draft pick in Colts history: There’s truly no need to debate this. The question is: Where do we start with praising Manning? All he did in his 13 years with the franchise was lead the Colts to a 141-67 record, the playoffs 11 times and the Super Bowl twice. About the only thing wrong during Manning’s time with the Colts: He missed the entire 2011 season with a neck injury and the team released him in March 2012. Manning’s success led to Lucas Oil Stadium being built. And to finalize what Manning has meant to the Colts, the franchise is in the process of building a statue of the quarterback in front of Lucas Oil Stadium.

HONORABLE MENTION

Marvin Harrison, WR: Harrison, who spent 13 years with the Colts, was selected in the first round (19) in 1996. He was one of Manning’s primary targets, catching 1,102 passes for 14,580 yards and 128 touchdowns. Harrison was an eight-time Pro Bowler and is headed into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer.

Reggie Wayne, WR: Some fans weren’t happy that the Colts selected Wayne with the 30th pick in the 2001 draft because they thought the team had more pressing needs. Wayne is seventh in NFL history with 1,070 receptions and is No. 8 with 14,345 career receiving yards.

Edgerrin James, RB: James, who was taken No. 4 overall in 1999, rushed for at least 1,200 yards in five of his seven seasons with the Colts. He finished his seven-year career with the Colts rushing for 9,226 yards and 64 touchdowns. James was a Hall of Fame finalist this year.

Andrew Luck, QB: Talk about striking it rich in landing back-to-back franchise quarterbacks for the Colts. They made a smooth transition from Manning to Luck in 2012, who was taken No. 1 overall that year. The Colts have been to the playoffs in three of Luck’s four seasons, and he has thrown for 14,838 yards and 101 touchdowns in that span.

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