The article that follows is snatched from NFL.com and it is fair to
note that the Colts used to OWN the top pick in the draft almost every
year.
====================================================

Posted: 02/24/2008
Colts president Polian says NFL draft needs updating
Associated Press


INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian isn't sure if
having a top 10 draft pick would be worth it.

His Colts don't have a selection until late in the second round. He
explained Sunday at the NFL Scouting Combine why his team might be
better off that way.

Polian said good teams like the Colts are less likely than in the past
to trade up for an early pick because of the required financial
commitment. Last year's top pick, JaMarcus Russell, missed all of
training camp in a contract dispute before getting $29 million in
guarantees.

"Trades are a unique thing in the first round anymore because of the
cost of the top 10 picks financially," he said. "To take on that
cost ... is almost counterintuitive."

Polian said agents have driven up the cost of the early picks, making
it more difficult than ever for struggling franchises to improve. He
said that cost can hamper teams for years, especially if they make a
mistake on a pick or the player gets injured.

"The draft was designed to either allow the weakest teams, based on
record, to choose the best players, or if they chose not to take a
particular player, to gather a bunch of picks to further accelerate
their growth and competitiveness," he said. "That's now been skewed by
the cost of the picks in the first round.

"When that's skewed and changed because of the agents, that isn't a
good thing for the game."

Polian said the system also makes it difficult for a team drafting
early to acquire pieces to put around the high pick. He said making
the right pick is possible, but difficult.

"What it can do, if you're fortunate enough to get a Peyton Manning,
is it can change your franchise," he said. "It gives you a guy who can
lead you to the promised land, can help you be a good team for a long
time. If you miss on that pick, economics aside, you still set
yourself back."

Polian said he expects the system to change eventually. He said the
league could change the pay scale or create a slotting system like the
NBA has, creating a fixed rate for draft positions.

But the current system, he feels, needs to be updated so the league
can remain balanced.

"Our game is based on competitive balance and the fact that every
year, every franchise believes they can win, unlike other sports. You
can go from worst to first in a year.

"It's not about money, it's about the integrity of the game on the
field."

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