High Draft Pick Takes On High Expectations

INDIANAPOLIS (Sat, Apr 18, 1998) -- Make no mistake about what's expected of Peyton Manning.

You can start with a lot, and take it from there.

On Saturday morning in New York, commissioner Paul Tagliabue opened the 63rd NFL draft by announcing the Indianapolis Colts' selection of Manning, Tennessee's All-American quarterback, with the first overall pick.

The decision was relayed to Tagliabue by Colts owner Jim Irsay. It was a critical moment in the history of the franchise, followed by Irsay's post-Peyton pick pronouncement.

"This is another major indication that there is a new Colts," he said. "We feel this is a new era for us."

The new era must make people forget -- once and for all -- an era that never materialized. In 1983, the Colts, about to embark on what would be their final season in Baltimore, drafted Stanford quarterback John Elway. A variety of circumstances, though, resulted in the Colts trading Elway to Denver.

In the ensuing 15 years, Elway has taken the Broncos to four Super Bowls, winning the most recent. Meanwhile, 16 different Colts starters have combined to produce five winning seasons and two playoff appearances.

Unlike Elway, Irsay said, "Peyton Manning very much wanted to be a Colt and we wanted to have him."

But even Irsay stopped short of crediting his newest quarterback with putting the unpleasant memory of Elway to rest. "We have to win a championship before you put all of the ghosts to rest."

That's the grand plan: win a championship, several, in fact.

The Colts' bid to head in that direction increased with the selection of Manning and continued when they picked Washington wide receiver Jerome Pathon in Round 2 and Florida State wide receiver E.G. Green in Round 3.

Manning's presence, though, overshadowed the others. Having a projected elite quarterback in place "gives you that chance," Irsay said. The absence of one, he noted, makes the task monumental.

Being at the most pivotal position, the focus and pressure rests largely at Manning's doorstep. And it begins immediately.

The Colts have a three-day minicamp next weekend and Manning will take the first snap and the majority thereafter with the No. 1 offensive unit.

"I believe in sticking him in there and saying, 'Let's go; you're the guy,'" said coach Jim Mora. "He's going to make mistakes, but he's going to do a lot of good things, too."

Manning is eager to dive headlong into the NFL.

"I've always thought the sooner you take your bumps and bruises the better off you are going to be in the long run," Manning said. "But I have a lot of work to do before I'm ready to play."

Club president Bill Polian expects Manning to struggle as virtually every rookie does but feels Manning's maturity -- 45 games as a starter at Tennessee -- and tenacity will help the transition. He compares Manning's grit to former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly.

"He's got Kelly's toughness and will to win," Polian said. "But it will be a bit rocky for him, especially early."

In 1990, the Colts swung a predraft trade with Atlanta, used the first overall pick on former Warren Central High School quarterback Jeff George and immediately handed him the starter's job. But he never was aided by a competent running game or ample protection.

Manning's first year in the NFL shouldn't be as taxing. Mora and offensive coordinator Tom Moore have installed an offense that won't place an excessive burden on their quarterback.

Unlike years past, the Colts will have a stronger commitment to the running game. Running back Marshall Faulk, not Manning, can anticipate carrying a heavy load.

"The thing is run the football, do it well, stick with it and pick your spots where you're going to use the quarterback," said veteran center Jay Leeuwenburg. "I don't think it mattered if (the quarterback) was going to be Peyton Manning or we had the last pick in the draft.

"(The new philosophy) just happens to fit perfectly with the fact we have a new quarterback."

No exemption for Manning