What's the chances of us landing Manti Teo in the draft?

**leachisabeast** · 10-22-2012, 12:53 PM

This is like my third thread today lol, but hey it's my day off and I'm still as pissed as anyone about our performance yesterday.

Been watching some Notre Dame games this year, and I am sold on Manti Teo, but was always doubting our chances of getting him in the draft as many consider him to be as high as a top 5 pick (I actually doubt that). You knew Manti Teo was going to be bought up at some point. I don't know where we will be picking, but is it maybe even worth giving up picks to trade up for him if he's really that good? Ozzie probably wont, but I really believe this guy can be as good as the Brian Cushings/Patrick Willis/Novoro Bowmans of the league.

He's pretty good in coverage for a big man, and looks like he'd be a great fit in our 3-4 scheme. He has good speed, not elite speed, but he can get from side line to side line better than any of our LB's. He would probably automatically upgrade our run defense up the middle, he comes up and meets RB's in the holes and smashes them back, he can also set the edge well, and forces players to run away from him from east to west instead of north or south.

So far this year in 7 games, he has recorded 69 total tackles (29 solo), 4 interceptions (very impressive for a LB), 2 tackles for a loss, 0 sacks yet, 7 passes defended, no forced fumbles yet, one fumble return for 8 yards.

What I love, and I know that Harbaugh will love about this guy is that he managed to have a career day the same week he lost his grandmother and girlfriend in one week.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8468427

**moose10101** · 10-22-2012, 12:55 PM

The Ravens will have a shot if they go 5-11.

**BigPlayReceiver** · 10-22-2012, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by moose10101

The Ravens will have a shot if they go 5-11.

I chuckled.

I can't see an ILB being Top 10 BPA (5-11 record).

If we miss the playoffs (which I don't think is likely) then Teo might be in BPA range. I'm starting to change my mind about him after previously thinking that he was overrated. Need to see more tape...

**leachisabeast** · 10-22-2012, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by BigPlayReceiver

I chuckled.

I can't see an ILB being Top 10 BPA (5-11 record).

If we miss the playoffs (which I don't think is likely) then Teo might be in BPA range. I'm starting to change my mind about him after previously thinking that he was overrated. Need to see more tape...

Luke Kuechly went in the top 10 this year, 8 overall to Carolina I believe. Teo has looked just as impressive as Kuechly did last year in his senior year, so I think Teo will be high on many draft boards. But I agree that he may fall because of the position he plays. The good thing is, we can reap the benefits of the devaluation of the position and take the BPA at the position, as we desperately need a good one with Ray Lewis soon to be retired (whenever that is).

**NCRAVEN** · 10-22-2012, 01:11 PM

I am huge ND fan so I've watched him for years. He's a top 10 pick, IMO.

Unless we trade, we won't stand a chance...

**GOTA** · 10-23-2012, 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by NCRAVEN

I am huge ND fan so I've watched him for years. He's a top 10 pick, IMO.

Unless we trade, we won't stand a chance...

I agree. Once he gets to the Combine he's going to shoot up like Von Miller did.

**LukeDaniel** · 10-22-2012, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by BigPlayReceiver

I chuckled.

I can't see an ILB being Top 10 BPA (5-11 record).

If we miss the playoffs (which I don't think is likely) then Teo might be in BPA range. I'm starting to change my mind about him after previously thinking that he was overrated. Need to see more tape...

Wasn't Rolando McClain a MLB who went in the top 10 too? It's not unprecedented.

**Lime in the Coconut** · 10-22-2012, 03:14 PM

It'd be awesome to snag a 3-4 end who could also rush the passer in a beastly fashion ala JJ Watt. They also should definitely invest a top pick in an ILB. I think Ellerbe should be re-signed if he keeps up his play, but I'm just not sure on McClain. Maybe move him over to OLB? The pass rush is another issue. We haven't had two dominant bookend rushers since Suggs/Thomas of 06. I really like Upshaw, he is a bull vs the run, but does he have the ability to even be an effective rusher? I don't even know if Kruger is back next season unless he picks up his play. I also like McClellan a lot, he can play inside or outside pretty well. The DL needs major help though, there I agree. The secondary could use some better depth IMO, especially at S.

**Ravens44** · 10-22-2012, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by Lime in the Coconut

It'd be awesome to snag a 3-4 end who could also rush the passer in a beastly fashion ala JJ Watt. They also should definitely invest a top pick in an ILB. I think Ellerbe should be re-signed if he keeps up his play, but I'm just not sure on McClain. Maybe move him over to OLB? The pass rush is another issue. We haven't had two dominant bookend rushers since Suggs/Thomas of 06. I really like Upshaw, he is a bull vs the run, but does he have the ability to even be an effective rusher? I don't even know if Kruger is back next season unless he picks up his play. I also like McClellan a lot, he can play inside or outside pretty well. The DL needs major help though, there I agree. The secondary could use some better depth IMO, especially at S.

I agree with alot of what you say. I think a major factor has to be the Ed Reed issue as well.
Are we resigning him? If we don't then we NEED a starting safety, too.
Yes, we need a DE in a big way.
We need an ILB. And we need them like before this year.

So, there is Eric Reid at S, Teo at ILB, and their is Sheldon Richardson (Missouri, 6'3", 295) at DT, but I think he can fill that DE role vacated by Redding.
I also think Upshaw has improved every single game.
He is learning under fire.
And I think the BIGGEST help to him has just arrived in Suggs.
Suggs will have the biggest affect on Upshaw.
He will learn by watching first hand and watching with the film what Suggs does and how he does it. Right now, Suggs will become his biggest asset.
So, lets give Upshaw a little time to learn some pass rushing skills first hand.

FYI - CBS Sports 2013 rankings:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/p...kings/2013/all

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 10-22-2012, 12:57 PM

I doubt we are close enough to have a shot at him unless we tank the rest of our season...which I don't expect at all.

Another guy that I have been and am REALLY impressed with is CJ Mosely out of Alabama. That guy is smaller, but he's athletic, physical, and very instinctive. And he is good in the passing game as well.

**leachisabeast** · 10-22-2012, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

I doubt we are close enough to have a shot at him unless we tank the rest of our season...which I don't expect at all.

Another guy that I have been and am REALLY impressed with is CJ Mosely out of Alabama. That guy is smaller, but he's athletic, physical, and very instinctive. And he is good in the passing game as well.

I really like CJ Moseley too, and he'd fit in well coming to play with his old team mate Upshaw if he was drafted. He is probably a second round talent at this point.

**Carey** · 10-22-2012, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

I doubt we are close enough to have a shot at him unless we tank the rest of our season...which I don't expect at all.

Another guy that I have been and am REALLY impressed with is CJ Mosely out of Alabama. That guy is smaller, but he's athletic, physical, and very instinctive. And he is good in the passing game as well.

Someone else mentioned him, and i like that idea, if i remember correctly he was the nickel lb when Hightower was there.