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Texas Vike wrote:Interesting video on Gruden's take on Te'o:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/90405 ... en-qb-camp

they sure are pumping this guy up. i'm not talking anything about his abilities or character....but when Gruden talks at the end of the article about how the LB torch needs to be passed from Urlacher, Lewis and Fletcher to Te'o because there is nobody else to pass it to, i'm smelling some BS. maybe Gruden just has his favorites and it influences his comments, I honestly haven't heard his opinion all that often.

i hope the kid has a great career wherever he winds up, unless it's chicago.

Texas Vike wrote:Interesting video on Gruden's take on Te'o:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/90405 ... en-qb-camp

Interesting that Gruden said he watched Ogletree and Minter "get rolled" by Alabama too. Kinda puts some things in perspective.

Hopefully it is out of our hands.

I could see Spielman working a deal to jump the Bears and take him though.

More I hear more I like Arthur Brown.

Manti Te'o - LB - Player

Yahoo's Jason Cole spoke with "at least five teams" at Notre Dame ILB Manti Te'o's Pro Day who don't consider him a first-round pick.

"I think he can play and he can help your defense," an AFC head coach said. "But he's a two-down player on a good team. He's not a star. If I'm taking a linebacker in the first round, I want a guy who can change my defense." An AFC personnel man allowed "it only takes one team to fall in love with a guy," but most signs suggest Te'o is shaping up as a borderline first-round pick. Te'o recently turned down an invitation to attend the draft in person, an indication his handlers feel the same way.
Source: Yahoo Sports

dead_poet wrote:Manti Te'o - LB - Player

Yahoo's Jason Cole spoke with "at least five teams" at Notre Dame ILB Manti Te'o's Pro Day who don't consider him a first-round pick.

"I think he can play and he can help your defense," an AFC head coach said. "But he's a two-down player on a good team. He's not a star. If I'm taking a linebacker in the first round, I want a guy who can change my defense." An AFC personnel man allowed "it only takes one team to fall in love with a guy," but most signs suggest Te'o is shaping up as a borderline first-round pick. Te'o recently turned down an invitation to attend the draft in person, an indication his handlers feel the same way.
Source: Yahoo Sports

If I had a top 10 or 15 pick, and had an eye on drafting Te'o in the 2nd round, that's exactly what I'd tell anyone who would listen, especially a reporter.

Scott Wright's scouting report on Te'o:

http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingR ... ti-Teo.php

Here's an excerpt:

Was more of a thumper early in college career but shed weight prior to senior campaign and became considerably more effective in coverage and space --- Could project to either the middle or outside in a 4-3 or inside in a 3-4 --- Possesses elite intangibles and plays faster in pads than workout numbers would indicate --- May not be a Hall of Famer but the type of player and team leader you can plug into the starting lineup immediately and not have to worry about for a decade --- Not particularly flashy but just a good football player and is one of the safest prospects in the Class of 2013.

dead_poet wrote: Interesting that Gruden said he watched Ogletree and Minter "get rolled" by Alabama too. Kinda puts some things in perspective.

Here's something else to put in perspective. Alabama's offense was downright otherworldly at times. I mean, their QB threw for 30 TDs, they had 2 RBs go over 1000 yards rushing each and combine for 29 rushing TDs, they had sure-handed receivers throughout the WR roster, and their OL was strong.

I watch a lot of SEC football. They're a conference loaded with talent, yet Alabama stuck out as being the best of the group.

In fact, when a friend (cough...Mothman...cough ) told me on the phone that he thought Notre Dame was going to win the BCS game, I recall telling him that Alabama would slap ND down. Look at what happened. So if Te'o had a bad game against Bama's offense, all I can say is: "Join the club." Lots of MLBs and defenses looked bad against Bama.

losperros wrote:Here's something else to put in perspective. Alabama's offense was downright otherworldly at times. I mean, their QB threw for 30 TDs, they had 2 RBs go over 1000 yards rushing each and combine for 29 rushing TDs, they had sure-handed receivers throughout the WR roster, and their OL was strong.

I watch a lot of SEC football. They're a conference loaded with talent, yet Alabama stuck out as being the best of the group.

In fact, when a friend (cough...Mothman...cough ) told me on the phone that he thought Notre Dame was going to win the BCS game, I recall telling him that Alabama would slap ND down. Look at what happened. So if Te'o had a bad game against Bama's offense, all I can say is: "Join the club." Lots of MLBs and defenses looked bad against Bama.

Ahem... I deny ever making that prediction.

Looking back, I think I let my desire to see Nick Saban lose that game (there's just something about that guy I don't like) seriously cloud my judgement. Alabama was a powerhouse and most of the defensive players who faced that team last season had a long day. Only LSU and Texas A&M held them under 30 points last season and the latter gave up 29. The Crimson Tide scored over 40 points 8 times!

losperros wrote: Here's something else to put in perspective. Alabama's offense was downright otherworldly at times. I mean, their QB threw for 30 TDs, they had 2 RBs go over 1000 yards rushing each and combine for 29 rushing TDs, they had sure-handed receivers throughout the WR roster, and their OL was strong.

I watch a lot of SEC football. They're a conference loaded with talent, yet Alabama stuck out as being the best of the group.

In fact, when a friend (cough...Mothman...cough ) told me on the phone that he thought Notre Dame was going to win the BCS game, I recall telling him that Alabama would slap ND down. Look at what happened. So if Te'o had a bad game against Bama's offense, all I can say is: "Join the club." Lots of MLBs and defenses looked bad against Bama.

Yes. Alabama was absolutely "other worldly" as you say, both on the ground and in the air.

I find it interesting that Te'o was recently called a very sure pick; that he's unlikely to be HOFer, but he's almost certain to be a solid 10 year starter.

I got the Vikings taking him at #25.

Demi wrote:Hopefully it is out of our hands.

I could see Spielman working a deal to jump the Bears and take him though.

More I hear more I like Arthur Brown.

Over Teo?
You been chillin with the Honey Badger too much...

PurpleKoolaid wrote: Over Teo?
You been chillin with the Honey Badger too much...

speaking of honey badger, i wouldnt mind using a 3rd rounder on him. dude's a pure football player.

mrc44 wrote: ... I don't know why you think that is so crazy? Some are considering Arthur Brown a top 10 talent. Brown is a stud and would be a great pick.

And T'eo isn't a great fit for this defense...

Demi wrote: And T'eo isn't a great fit for this defense...

Ogletree is perfect for it (or will be after a solid year or two in a pro strength and conditioning program and assuming he works hard to reach his potential).

Arthur Brown would be a great fit as well. A little on the small side and I would be worried about his durability, but if the Vikes can pick up a nose like John Jenkins of Georgia in the 2nd I would be a lot less concerned about Brown's long-term health.

Teo, Minter, et. al., all would be replaceable pieces in this defense. I just don't see any of them thriving or becoming difference-makers as pros.

Actually our Tampa 2 defense would be perfect for Te'o.