Manti Te'o
6'2, 255 pounds | Linebacker | Notre Dame
First word: Te'o is a smart and athletic football player with tremendous upside. He is a 4 down player that will contribute in both the running and passing game. He is one of the top middle linebacker prospects to come around in awhile which will increase his draft stock.
Manti Te’o 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes
He has the skills to fit any system which means a lot of teams will be considering selecting him. His quickness makes him a logical fit for a cover 2 system as he is able to get down the deep middle in zone coverage. Te’o is an explosive tackler and makes plays from sideline to sideline. His short area burst gives him the ability to close on most ball careers.
In the passing game, Te’o is able to hold up in both zone and man coverage. His fluid helps allow him to stick with tight ends and running backs. The short area burst he possesses helps him click and close on the ball and make a play. While he is not an elite pass rush, Te’o can create pressure due to his savvy and timing.
Overall, Te’o represents a rare mix of speed, size, and smarts which will make him an attractive player come draft time. Any team looking to add a difference making middle linebacker has to at lease consider selecting Te’o.
Bold statement: Manti Te’o will be selected in the top 15 of the 2012 NFL Draft
Games viewed: Miami (‘10), Utah (‘10), Stanford (‘10), USC (‘10)
Manti Te’o
6’2, 255 pounds | Linebacker | Notre Dame
Notes:
- Te’o is an excellent athlete with sideline to sideline speed
- He plays with good balance which helps him in both stopping the run and holding up in coverage
- His instincts and angle usage allow him to find and always be around the football
- Te’o’s second gear permits him to quickly close on the football while in pursit
- He has excellent short area quickness that allows him to click and close in coverage
- Also while in coverage, he is able to easily identify the routes developing around him
- His fluid hips help him hold up in man to man coverage with tight ends and backs
- Te’o’s speed and quick allows him to get deep down the middle when in zone coverage making him a good candidate for the MLB spot in a cover 2 scheme
- His overall skills and ability make him a 4 down player
- He is not a natural pass rusher but has good timing and savvy
- His timing and savvy combined with his burst make him a good blitzer
- Te’o could work on attacking the line more and using his hands to engage the blocker
- He has good lateral quickness but not elite which is why he needs to improve his attacking ability
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