Manti Te'o Scouting Report

This highly-regarded linebacker from Notre Dame can do just about anything he wants on a football field. Whether it is his run defense, pass coverage, tackling or ability to read and react to offenses, he has the potential to make the play.

Te'o plays downhill, showing a great burst in getting after the ball carrier. His high football IQ will have him in the mix on nearly every play. If there is one particular skill set that will need to get better fast it is his pass coverage and ability to run sideline to sideline. He does not have great speed, which shouldn't hurt his draft stock too badly. What adds to his value though is his ability to play all three downs. Many linebackers do not play every down. Te'o can flash play-making ability against tight ends in man or zone coverage.

He is a clean tackler with great technique. He drives through the ball carrier regularly, stays low and looks to stay lower than his opponent. Te'o had surgery two offseasons ago. It caused him to miss most of spring practice this year.

The 6'2", 255 lb. ILB is expected to be drafted somewhere in the middle of the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft despite persistent questions about the "girlfriend" controversy.