NEPD Editor: James Christensen

According to Alex Flanagan of NFL Network, the Patriots have reportedly expressed interest in trading up for Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o.

Wow – this should be interesting.

UPDATE: The Chargers have selected Manti Te’o – thus ending any speculation.

Let’s leave everything that has been said about Te’o off the field out of the discussion and talk about Te’o the football player for a second.

Here is what we said in our scouting report of Manti Te’o:

Plain and simple Manti Te’o is a football player. He has the instincts, strength and play-making ability to be a cornerstone defender for a defense for years to come. His work ethic and passion for the game sets him apart from others. Ideal fit at an ILB position in either a 4-3 or 3-4, but is the type of player every NFL team will have to look at because he will just make plays. Te’o might become over-scrutinized and knocked for his lack of straight line speed, but when you turn on the film you see how many plays this kid makes

There is no question in my mind that Te’o can be successful in the NFL – my question is how does he fit in with the Patriots?

I think he’s marginally better than Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes in coverage, but doesn’t offer as much in the run game as Mayo. He also can’t blitz and shoot gaps as well as Brandon Spikes.

Brandon Spikes is in the last year of his contract, so this might be a move for the future as well.

This might be a smokescreen being thrown up by either the Patriots or the agents of Te’o, but either way this is an interesting development.

Would you like Manti Te’o on the Patriots?

Like this: Like Loading...

Related

Tags: 2013 NFL Draft, Manti Te'o, Trade