PFT Mock Draft

[allday1991]

I don't know if anyone else has caught wind of the most recent Pro Football Talk mock draft but I had to share what is an intriguing read:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... draft-1-0/

Mike Florio has us selecting the following players during the first round:

23. Vikings: QB Geno Smith, West Virginia.
25. Vikings (from Seahawks): LB Manti Te’o, Notre Dame.

I agree with the Te'o pick and is an actual possibility. Taking another QB no matter the value at the pick seems pointless with the obvious needs at other positions, if we have the chance to take him I would strongly suspect us to trade to a QB needy team. I still am standing by the point we NEED a WR in the first round and I don't think it remotely debatable given how bad the corp itself performed last year. Not to mention if we do not give Ponder an actual NFL level WR corp how can you even evaluate him as a Quarterback and know when to move on?

[ViciousBritishVike]

Vikings need at MLB + Acclaimed Notre Dame MLB who could easily be available when they pick?

Yes, there is a certain inevitability about it.

Especially with Spielman's ethos on selecting productive golden domers

[ViciousBritishVike]

Our guard situation was bad last year and even worse now. I wonder if there are any thoughts of trading up for either of the big 2 guards. I really love the idea of a solid line.

Wobschall doesn't believe this will be the case. I'm a big fan of Jonathan Cooper in particular but considering we have greater issues to address it's unlikely. Fusco's ever improving and Charlie Johnson displayed great versatility in slotting inside to Guard last season.

I believe our unit up front is only going to grown in cohesion, disagree with disrupting in any way.

[Purple bruise]

If the Vikes could land Patterson or Allen and Teo with their 2 1st round selections, I would be a "happy camper".

[Funkytown]

I don't want us to take Te'o. Not at all. With that being said, I can't think of another guy coming out in this year's draft who will be working harder to prove his self-worth and such. I have a feeling this guy is going to have an "off the charts" work ethic--just so he can perform at a high level and try to make people forget about his drama. That is the ONE positive about getting this guy, aside from filling a hole.

But, I'm watching NFL Network, and they are comparing his Notre Dame workouts to the combine. They are basically calling him out for it--almost suggesting he's "on something" to get all ripped and junk. He was pudgy at the combine and looks like a beast now. They are openly hinting about him being on something. That's ridiculous. And someone said, "Well, he's working harder now." And Jamie Dukes came back with, "Oh. He's working hard now but he wasn't before the combine? The biggest interview of his life? The one that came AFTER the biggest scandal in college football history?"

Good points. He's either doing some shady stuff to get buff, OR--he wasn't working nearly as hard as he should have been in the first place. Not good, and not good.

This possible Te'o pick is scary. I hope we look elsewhere. Just too many unknowns about this guy. But, as I said earlier, even if we do pick him--I'm thinking he's going to work his butt off. That's positive. On the flip side, why didn't he work harder in preparation for the combine? I just don't get this kid. They noted some "nerve damage" before the combine. But still. The "experts" on NFL Network still don't seem impressed at all.

[Mothman]

I don't want us to take Te'o. Not at all. With that being said, I can't think of another guy coming out in this year's draft who will be working harder to prove his self-worth and such. I have a feeling this guy is going to have an "off the charts" work ethic--just so he can perform at a high level and try to make people forget about his drama. That is the ONE positive about getting this guy, aside from filling a hole.

But, I'm watching NFL Network, and they are comparing his Notre Dame workouts to the combine. They are basically calling him out for it--almost suggesting he's "on something" to get all ripped and junk. He was pudgy at the combine and looks like a beast now. They are openly hinting about him being on something. That's ridiculous. And someone said, "Well, he's working harder now." And Jamie Dukes came back with, "Oh. He's working hard now but he wasn't before the combine? The biggest interview of his life? The one that came AFTER the biggest scandal in college football history?"

Good points. He's either doing some shady stuff to get buff, OR--he wasn't working nearly as hard as he should have been in the first place. Not good, and not good.

This possible Te'o pick is scary. I hope we look elsewhere. Just too many unknowns about this guy. But, as I said earlier, even if we do pick him--I'm thinking he's going to work his butt off. That's positive. On the flip side, why didn't he work harder in preparation for the combine? I just don't get this kid. They noted some "nerve damage" before the combine. But still. The "experts" on NFL Network still don't seem impressed at all.

Which "experts" are we talking about because Mike Mayock likes him quite a bit and he's the NFL Network draft expert. Jamie Dukes is just a walking opinion, and not one I'd put much stock in. Makes a lot of noise but I don't feel he says much worth hearing. YMMV, of course.

At this point, I think there's a certain degree of "paralysis by analysis" when it comes to Te'o or perhaps it would be more accurate to say it's a case of familiarity breeding contempt. He's been placed under a microscope at maximum magnification and people are focusing so much on what may be wrong with him that they're forgetting what's right. He was an elite player in high school, the kind of player colleges can't wait to get onto their team, and once he got to college he didn't disappoint. He played in 47 straight games and played at a high level, becoming the leader of a defense that helped get Notre Dame to an unexpected appearance in the national championship game. At almost every turn in his career thus far, he has met or exceeded expectations and demonstrated that he's a good football player. Of course, he also played for a school people love to hype or hate and that, combined with a disappointing performance against Alabama, the "girlfriend" scandal and a sub-par 40 time (gasp!) at the combine now has people looking at him as a potential bust when most of his football history suggests the opposite.

I realize any player can end up being a bust when making the transition from college to the pros so there's no guarantee Te'o will succeed but I really don't think he's a player Vikings fans should be worried about the team selecting. He's been an excellent football player at every level thus far, hasn't missed a game in years and he's not a bundle of untapped potential or a player with a history of suspensions and off-the field issues. I'm not advocating him as the Vikings pick because I think there will be a number of good choices available to them at #23 and #25 (and in the second round as well) but if they pick him, I won't be concerned. He's a player who has proven he can play and meet high expectations. If he becomes a Viking, hopefully he'll do that again.

[Funkytown]

From where I'm standing, most "experts" have backed off a lot from the Te'o lust fest that was just taking place a few short months ago. A lot of fans have, too. As far as what was being said on NFL Network this morning, it was interesting to say the least. Jamie Dukes, Steve Wyche, and Michael Robinson (Seahawks) were all like "Yeeeeeah. Something is funky about this." Pretty bold "accusations" to be making on NFL Network don't ya think? Just more oddness and unknowns added to this kid's resume.

[Mothman]

From where I'm standing, most "experts" have backed off a lot from the Te'o lust fest that was just taking place a few short months ago. A lot of fans have, too.

Sure, but that's to be expected after the whole "girlfriend" fiasco and it's not uncommon leading up to the draft anyway. That's especially true with over-hyped players or players with good football skills and performances as their credentials but who lack the measurables everybody goes crazy for at this time of year. In a nutshell, a player who may have been over-hyped instead gets over-analyzed and over-criticized. Te'o was a terrific college player but the hype machine made him out to be more than he is so naturally, there's a tendency to back off as people realize he was good but perhaps not "top 15" good.

As far as what was being said on NFL Network this morning, it was interesting to say the least. Jamie Dukes, Steve Wyche, and Michael Robinson (Seahawks) were all like "Yeeeeeah. Something is funky about this." Pretty bold "accusations" to be making on NFL Network don't ya think? Just more oddness and unknowns added to this kid's resume.

On his resumé? It's essentially baseless speculation. Dukes and Wyche are the NFLN equivalent of talk radio hosts and Dukes constantly shoots his mouth off without any sort of evidence whatsoever. I'm sorry, I just can't put any stock in what they had to say about this unless I see or hear something more substantial than Dukes' "I'm not saying, I'm just saying". I hear more ridiculous stuff come out of his mouth than any other guest or analyst on that network.

[VikingLord]

On his resumé? It's essentially baseless speculation. Dukes and Wyche are the NFLN equivalent of talk radio hosts and Dukes constantly shoots his mouth off without any sort of evidence whatsoever. I'm sorry, I just can't put any stock in what they had to say about this unless I see or hear something more substantial than Dukes' "I'm not saying, I'm just saying". I hear more ridiculous stuff come out of his mouth than any other guest or analyst on that network.

What is it with the refusal of many on this board to acknowledge the evidence that Teo might just not be all that great? This is all these commentators do for a living. They attend these things and watch a ton of football. And yet if they come out and say anything less than glowing about the great Teo they're talk show hosts? Attacking the messengers doesn't lessen their observations even if you don't personally agree with them.

The wanderlust for Teo on this board is stunning, quite frankly. I don't recall seeing so many want someone with so much hype but with so few measureables to back it. The hype surrounding Teo reminds me so much of the hype surrounding Tebow. The Broncos bought into that, blew a 1st on him, and now he's a backup journeyman QB. I hope Spielman looks at Teo with objectivity before he is tempted to do something similar.

[Mothman]

What is it with the refusal of many on this board to acknowledge the evidence that Teo might just not be all that great?

??? I acknowledge that he might not be all that great in the NFL but there's a vast difference between acknowledging that and buying Jamie Dukes' insinuations that Te'o might be using performance-enhancing drugs without some sort of evidence to back them up. You do realize that's what we were discussing, right?

This is all these commentators do for a living. They attend these things and watch a ton of football. And yet if they come out and say anything less than glowing about the great Teo they're talk show hosts? Attacking the messengers doesn't lessen their observations even if you don't personally agree with them.

I wasn't attacking them. I was essentially calling them what they are. Dukes is a former player and current NFLN analyst. Wyche is a former beat reporter and current member of NFLN's morning talk show. Who hosts many of the sports talk radio shows in major markets around the country? Former players and current or former sportswriters! Dukes and Wyche are on TV not the radio but otherwise, what's the difference and how was what I said an attack? I'm not shooting the messenger here. I'm simply saying take what was implied on a talk show as it should be taken: as baseless speculation by a TV analyst who is not a reporter and who is commenting on a talk show.

The wanderlust for Teo on this board is stunning, quite frankly. I don't recall seeing so many want someone with so much hype but with so few measureables to back it.

Oy vey...
I'm sorry I haven't adopted your position on the subject but just a few hours ago (and a few posts above) I wrote that I'm not advocating Te'o as the Vikings pick. I'd hardly call that "lust". Regarding his measurables: they're fine. They're not extraordinary but they're in line with those of some other successful NFL middle linebackers and they are measurables, not football performances. Do you realize how many good NFL players have had measurables that weren't up to snuff and how many with terrific combine numbers stunk as pros? It was measurables that allowed Russell Wilson to fall into the third round last year. How important did those measurables look by the time the Seahawks were in the playoffs?

I have no problem with reasonable criticism of Te'o and I'll have no problem if the Vikes pass on him in the draft. I just think it's extreme for you to suggest a player with his resumé (who played at a major college that played a number of major college opponents) should be a third round pick at the highest and I think Dukes insinuating on national TV that Te'o is juicing without any evidence to support it is irresponsible and borderline despicable. YMMV.

[Funkytown]

Sure, but that's to be expected after the whole "girlfriend" fiasco and it's not uncommon leading up to the draft anyway. That's especially true with over-hyped players or players with good football skills and performances as their credentials but who lack the measurables everybody goes crazy for at this time of year. In a nutshell, a player who may have been over-hyped instead gets over-analyzed and over-criticized. Te'o was a terrific college player but the hype machine made him out to be more than he is so naturally, there's a tendency to back off as people realize he was good but perhaps not "top 15" good.
On his resumé? It's essentially baseless speculation. Dukes and Wyche are the NFLN equivalent of talk radio hosts and Dukes constantly shoots his mouth off without any sort of evidence whatsoever. I'm sorry, I just can't put any stock in what they had to say about this unless I see or hear something more substantial than Dukes' "I'm not saying, I'm just saying". I hear more ridiculous stuff come out of his mouth than any other guest or analyst on that network.

I'm not saying I believe everything I hear from the "experts". Why do you think I quote experts like that? Because half of these so-called "experts" aren't experts at anything. lol. With that being said, they are STILL professionals and they do their homework--and overall, most "experts" have backed off from Te'o in a big way. And--it has less to do with his "fake girlfriend" and more to do with his combine performance, character questions, maturity, etc.--and the realization that he was hyped up way too much from the start. Admittedly, I don't watch much college football, but what I did see--eh, so what? Nothing spectacular. That's just my opinion. Add that "nothing spectacular" to all of his mess, and my answer is still "No thanks." With that being said, if we take him--I'll be a fan and hope for the best. I'll even get a shirt of his, but instead of his name and number--I'm going to have "Catfish" and his number!

[Mothman]

I'm not saying I believe everything I hear from the "experts". Why do you think I quote experts like that? Because half of these so-called "experts" aren't experts at anything. lol. With that being said, they are STILL professionals and they do their homework--and overall, most "experts" have backed off from Te'o in a big way.

I don't know if I agree that "most' experts have backed away from him in a big way but some have definitely soured on him. Overall, it looks to me like they're pretty divided on the issue. As for the "experts" doing their homework... I think some do a LOT more than others. I'll leave it at that.

[headless_norseman]

I don't want us to take Te'o. Not at all. With that being said, I can't think of another guy coming out in this year's draft who will be working harder to prove his self-worth and such. I have a feeling this guy is going to have an "off the charts" work ethic--just so he can perform at a high level and try to make people forget about his drama. That is the ONE positive about getting this guy, aside from filling a hole.

No kidding. I wish everyone would drop the Teo wishing - we're not drafting the guy. There's 2-5 other guys I'm sure they have rated higher.

[Demi]

Mike Glennon Eh? I wouldn't mind him at all. not sure if you are being sarcastic or not but the kid has a lot of upside and continues to climb boards the more scouts and analysts actually watch tape instead of stupid pro days in shorts.

HA! Kidding? I've made my feelings known on athletic QBs, including Ponder. The ability to run is a negative! Who just won the super bowl? And the one before that? And the 46 before that! I guess Geno isn't really a runner, but he still has that ability. Which gets guys in trouble. RGIII, Ponder, and it's going to get Wilson Kaepernick in trouble as well. It's always going to be a crutch they fall back on, instead of being forced to rely on their arm, make reads and make tough accurate throws! We've seen Ponder rely on it even when guys get open while he's been here! No more! Culpepper, Tjoke, Ponder. Stop it!!!!

Maybe not Glennon because I don't think they'd take a QB and I don't think any are worth an early pick in a year they're going to finally realize what Ponder is. But maybe a later pick on a guy like Landry Jones? Not even sure it's worth it to spend picks on later round QBs though.

There's always next year!

[S197]

Wow I didn't realize Smith's stock has fallen so fast, he was a projected #1 not too long ago. As for the Vikings pick, I'd be pretty upset if they passed on Patterson. I don't think either will be available come draft day, Te'o is probably the only realistic option from that mock.