Add Tom Moore's voice to the chorus of NFL experts who think the Indianapolis Colts should take Andrew Luck with the first pick in this month's NFL Draft.
In an interview with NBC's Michele Tafoya, Peyton Manning's former offensive coordinator in Indianapolis made it clear that he thinks the former Stanford quarterback is the closest thing he's seen to a second coming of Manning.
Reuter: Draft strengths/weaknesses
Chad Reuter says the 2012 NFL Draft is deep at several positions, like CB, but other groups leave a lot to be desired. **More ...**
"He's the real deal. If you draft him you never have to worry about anything," Moore said, according to ProFootballTalk.com. "You know he'll be prepared. You know he'll be in shape. You know he'll study. You know he'll practice hard. ... And you'll know he's going to go home and spend two-to-three more hours working on what you talked about.
"If I was still coaching I'd love to have him because he can do the things I like to do: audibles at the line of scrimmage; no-huddle. He has a great awareness of what's happening."
Moore, who served as the Colts' offensive coordinator from 1998 to 2010, didn't think much of reports that the team is interested in signing veteran free-agent quarterback Byron Leftwich -- presumably to help mentor Luck.
"Andrew Luck doesn't need a mentor," he said. "I've never bought into the theory that you learn by watching. I think all that stuff is really overrated."
Moore was also asked about reports that the Colts are still considering taking Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.
"This kid [Luck] is the first pick in the first round and there's no question about it. I would draft him and I would never look back."
