When it comes to the 2012 NFL Draft for the Colts, I don't think there is any other position where the Colts really need to stockpile talent than at Cornerback. With the league going more and more pass-happy, teams absolutely must have big-time corners to be successful, and the best way to get a bunch of talent is through the draft.

This is especially true for the Colts this year with the switch from the Tampa-2 Defense we've seen over the past decade or so, to one that will most likely emphasize more man-to-man principles, as that is what Head Coach Chuck Pagano ran in Baltimore. The switch won't be able to happen over night, as the Colts can't just cut bait with every corner on the roster, but they were drafted to play in a certain scheme, and may only be able to play in that one scheme, meaning the Colts could really be struggling for CB depth this year.

With that being said, I'm starting my Combine previews with the Cornerback position because it is both the most important defensively (I think QB is technically most important overall), and it has the longest list of names to look at, 18 in all. I went through and picked out who others felt would best fit into a more man coverage role, rather than one in a Cover 2, and I didn't care about talent level, as the Colts have picks in later rounds, and I think there will be some value in this group of guys late.

After the jump I'll show you the entire group of guys and point out a couple that might have a dual purpose with the Colts.

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Yes, I know what NFL Network's Mike Mayock said yesterday about Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. I respect Mayock. He does a great job covering the draft.

In the case of Andrew Luck, I don't think anyone truly believes he is a 'once in a lifetime' prospect. Is he the best quarterback prospect to come out of college since John Elway, who entered the draft back in 1984? Yes.

Is he the most talented? No, and that's pretty much what Mayock was saying. In terms of physical talent, Cam Newton is far more superior than Luck. Newton is bigger, stronger, faster, and probably throws the football farther.

However, almost everyone who scouts and grades talent is saying Luck is a better prospect than Newton, and it's for reasons that go beyond physical ability.

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It's officially gotten out of hand, and people are fed up.

Jason Lisk, The Big Lead

Dan Wretzel, Yahoo Sports!

Paul Kuharsky, ESPN

As we've said ever since Jim Caldwell was fired, Peyton Manning will not be on this Colts roster in 2012. It's done. Set in stone. As real as the 'jiggle' you see every time Kate Upton walks down a runway.

What is happening now is that both Jim Irsay and Peyton Manning are fighting over legacy, public relations, the media game. For the unfortunate few of you who still cling to the corpse of a notion that Manning will suit up in Colts blue next season, you have my sympathies. You are the poor, dumb wretches that Irsay and Manning are fighting over.

Like many of you, I want this stupid, public, silly slap fight over with and done. Peyton Manning is the past. One of the reasons you haven't seen me write much about this fight, despite it being a page views GOLDMINE, is because I'm sick of talking about that past.

Hell, even ole Bill Polian had a few things to say recently about all this, and Indy Star columnist and Irsay waterboy Bob Kravitz publicly called him a liar for it. Entertaining? Yes. Relevant to the 2012 season for the Indianapolis Colts? No.

So, yeah. I'm sick of it too. However, the reason it is ongoing is that both sides are fighting over the loyalty of you, the fans.

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Well, Manning-Watch '12 certainly just got a little more interesting.

If you happen to be rooting for Peyton Manning to finish his career as a Colt, Jim Irsay is doing his best to put a small smile on your face and/or make the situation even more intense. The Colts appear to want #18 back in the saddle:

Manning and Irsay have engaged in an intense chess match for weeks and now we're likely witnessing Irsay calling Manning's bluff. It's funny and quite hypocritical that Irsay was upset with Manning for not keeping his thoughts "in house", yet Irsay has now decided to one-up (again) Manning and relay this information to the press.

According to Irsay, if Manning truly wants to remain a Colt, the door just swiftly blew open for perfect harmony to exist:

This isn't the first time Irsay has been vocal about the decision being in the hands of Manning, but now the entire world knows. Irsay called Manning a "politician" for his interview with Bob Kravitz, but this is politicking at its finest.

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