LB and DB

[dead_poet]

The more I think about it, the more I doubt the Vikings are going to take Ogletree if he's available with one of their first-round selections. Given the character of the players they are bringing in, he doesn't seem like a guy that fits the mold. I recently saw a mock having us taking T'eo in round 2, and that's a move I can see, given Spielman's ND track record and placing value on "high character" guys. Frazier has said they want someone to come in and be a leader. Word has it that T'eo has that in spades. He might be a steal at the end of the second round. The "catfish" story has run its course. Sure, it might be dug up a bit as preliminary stories are being done but I don't see it being a distraction, especially in the Minnesota market. If he's drafted by the Giants or Jets, it might be a bit different of a story. The big question is if Vikings think T'eo can be an effective three-down player.

[mansquatch]

The only reason the T’eo scam was a big deal was because he was a Heisman candidate. I don’t really care about that circus, it is a distraction for sure, but I’m not really sure what it says or if it even says anything about his ability to play in the NFL. The big question on T’eo is can he be a 3 down NFL MLB and a stud of one to boot? His uneven performances raise questions. That is why I think at this position we are almost forced to just rely on the player eval department to make the right call. Maybe Ogletree’s baggage could work to our favor and the Vike’s eval will think he is worth a late 1st round pick? I just don’t know, that pretty much entirely depends on the interview process which we’ll never see. There could also be a diamond in the rough hanging out in the 2nd – 4th round. LB is just so hard to analyze given all the different roles between the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes.

Frankly, at this point I’m more concerned about our Secondary that our LB right now. AJ Jefferson is could get taken away from us if someone wants to pony up the draft pick. So currently our starting CB are Cook, Robinson, and ???. That puts us in a position of being 1 injury away from disaster IMO. The good news is there are a ton of FA CB out there right now. My opinion is that one of those guys is going to land here. The longer it takes, the cheaper that guy is going to be.

[Mothman]

The more I think about it, the more I doubt the Vikings are going to take Ogletree if he's available with one of their first-round selections. Given the character of the players they are bringing in, he doesn't seem like a guy that fits the mold. I recently saw a mock having us taking T'eo in round 2, and that's a move I can see, given Spielman's ND track record and placing value on "high character" guys. Frazier has said they want someone to come in and be a leader. Word has it that T'eo has that in spades. He might be a steal at the end of the second round. The "catfish" story has run its course. Sure, it might be dug up a bit as preliminary stories are being done but I don't see it being a distraction, especially in the Minnesota market. If he's drafted by the Giants or Jets, it might be a bit different of a story. The big question is if Vikings think T'eo can be an effective three-down player.

Even if they don't, they might like him enough as a two down player to draft him and let Henderson stay in on 3rd down.

Where Te'o gets selected should be one of the more interesting stories of this draft. Will he go in the second? Will he last until the Vikings R2 pick comes up? Will they take him if he's available to them in the first round? If they do, I expect there would be an uproar here.

Jon Gruden recently discussed Te'o and his take is interesting:

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

I liked this as well, just because it's an interesting perspective on the draft as a whole:

Ignore the doubters: "I heard one guy come on television and say, if Manti Te'o gets picked in the first round, they should fire the general manager. I don't feel that way. Joe Montana went to Notre Dame when my dad was an assistant coach there. He was a third-round draft choice. People didn't like his arm strength and his ability to make the throws. Not very smart, were they? And really, John McVay, who was with the 49ers then, would tell you they weren't very smart either because they passed him in the first and second rounds. Derrick Brooks? My favorite player I've ever been associated with lasted until the 28th pick because he supposedly wasn't big enough. Ray Lewis wasn't big enough, supposedly. London Fletcher wasn't even on anybody's radar. There are a lot of stories like that. The draft really doesn't matter. If you can name the top five picks in last year's draft right now, I'll buy you a hot dog and a Coke. This is that time of year where that's what people talk about. But I wanted him to know that it doesn't matter. If you got picked in the top five, you probably got picked too high. If you got picked in the bottom five, you probably got picked too low. But 45 minutes after the draft, it really doesn't matter."

[losperros]

The more I think about it, the more I doubt the Vikings are going to take Ogletree if he's available with one of their first-round selections. Given the character of the players they are bringing in, he doesn't seem like a guy that fits the mold. I recently saw a mock having us taking T'eo in round 2, and that's a move I can see, given Spielman's ND track record and placing value on "high character" guys. Frazier has said they want someone to come in and be a leader. Word has it that T'eo has that in spades. He might be a steal at the end of the second round. The "catfish" story has run its course. Sure, it might be dug up a bit as preliminary stories are being done but I don't see it being a distraction, especially in the Minnesota market. If he's drafted by the Giants or Jets, it might be a bit different of a story. The big question is if Vikings think T'eo can be an effective three-down player.

I don't follow ND enough to say whether or not T'eo, or Te'o, or Teo (what the hell is the correct spelling of his last name?) can be a three down MLB in the NFL. However, there has been a lot of praise heaped on him for his leadership and read ability, which is both important to the position. If the Vikings take Manti (at least I can spell his first name) in any round, even the 1st, I'm not going to complain. No doubt the Vikings scouting staff will only pick the guy after researching him thoroughly. I'll trust them on this one.

OTOH, I have seen plenty of Alec Ogletree and his last name is immensely spellable. Not only that but the guy can really play football. No foolin', folks. If Ogletree didn't giggle every time he shot himself in the foot and wasn't on a first name basis with his buds in the holding cell, I'd want the Vikings to pick him in a big way.

[Mothman]

I don't follow ND enough to say whether or not T'eo, or Te'o, or Teo (what the hell is the correct spelling of his last name?)

LOL! I went through the same thing for a while. It's Te'o.

...can be a three down MLB in the NFL. However, there has been a lot of praise heaped on him for his leadership and read ability, which is both important to the position. If the Vikings take Manti (at least I can spell his first name) in any round, even the 1st, I'm not going to complain. No doubt the Vikings scouting staff will only pick the guy after researching him thoroughly. I'll trust them on this one.

That's where I stand on it too. If they think he's their guy at MLB, I'll trust them and hope they're right.

I've actually seen him play quite a bit and I've been impressed. He's a tough, instinctive, passionate player. He plays faster than his 40 time at the combine would indicate and consequently, I suspect he'll run a better 40 at his pro day. However, I do see him as more of a "downhill" player than a coverage LB.

OTOH, I have seen plenty of Alec Ogletree and his last name is immensely spellable.

Not only that but the guy can really play football. No foolin', folks. If Ogletree didn't giggle every time he shot himself in the foot and wasn't on a first name basis with his buds in the holding cell, I'd want the Vikings to pick him in a big way.

You're really cracking me up today...

[losperros]

I've actually seen him play quite a bit and I've been impressed. He's a tough, instinctive, passionate player. He plays faster than his 40 time at the combine would indicate and consequently, I suspect he'll run a better 40 at his pro day. However, I do see him as more of a "downhill" player than a coverage LB.

I like the part about being "instinctive" and a "passionate player." That's very important and I think coaches look for those qualities.

As for him being a "downhill" player, maybe he'll just have to come out during nickel and dime packages. Who knows? Maybe the Vikings wouldn't be bothered by that. Again, I simply don't know enough about Te'o (thanks for setting me straight on the spelling - now someone needs to tell the rest of the world) to know if he can adjust to playing coverage or not.

You're really cracking me up today...

Yeah, well, I've been having some fun at the expense of both Te'o and Ogletree. They both deserve it in their own way.

All kidding aside, I really am irritated that Ogletree has behaved the way he has. I'm serious about the kid being a major talent. I've seen him do some amazing things on the field for the Bulldogs. It boggles my mind when someone is too stupid to respect their own ability and what it could mean for their future. Hopefully, Ogletree can clean up his act.

[dead_poet]

Just saw this quote and I wonder if it applies to the thought of drafting "T'e'o'"

Frazier emphasized #Vikings want to find/draft a three-down middle linebacker and needed to upgrade secondary depth in draft too.

Tom Pelissero on Twitter

[losperros]

Just saw this quote and I wonder if it applies to the thought of drafting "T'e'o'"
Tom Pelissero on Twitter

Good point. Isn't Te'o more of a run defense guy?

Kevin Minter from LSU in R2, maybe? I watched Minter play and he's good. He used to stay in there on passing downs too. We're talking about an "All-SEC" first team player.

Just sayin'...

[Arma]

Good point. Isn't Te'o more of a run defense guy?

Kevin Minter from LSU in R2, maybe? I watched Minter play and he's good. He used to stay in there on passing downs too. We're talking about an "All-SEC" first team player.

Just sayin'...

Te'o excels in coverage. Which is why I don't get the hate. Te'o was excessively overrated during the season...now he's severely underrated. I wanted the Vikings to go after him before the season even start for this draft, so I may be biased too.

I'll be happy with having Arthur Brown too, very complete MLB.

[VikingLord]

Te'o excels in coverage. Which is why I don't get the hate. Te'o was excessively overrated during the season...now he's severely underrated. I wanted the Vikings to go after him before the season even start for this draft, so I may be biased too.

Teo is not fluid in his movements. Get him moving in one direction and he flows nicely, but his ability to stop and rapidly adjust is pretty average from what I've seen, and unfortunately that skill is one required of good pass defenders whether they are secondary players or linebackers. Vision and instincts are also part of the equation and while Teo appears to be above average in those areas attacking the run, he is below average in both in defending the pass from what I've seen.

Add on top of that pedestrian speed and you have Jasper Brinkley Part II. Teo is not the prototypical MLB required by an effective Tampa 2 scheme. The way things are looking right now, though, the Vikings could find him still on the board when their 2nd rounder comes up. I hope they will pass because they got Brinkley in the 5th IIRC and they'd just be replacing that production. Of course, the fact they don't have an MLB on the defense right now will probably color their decision if that is the case.

Sucks to be desperate in the NFL...

[VikingLord]

I don't follow ND enough to say whether or not T'eo, or Te'o, or Teo (what the hell is the correct spelling of his last name?) can be a three down MLB in the NFL.

I think it can be abbreviated as Teo...



I would love Ogletree as well, although maybe after he's had a chance to burn his bridges with whatever team drafts him. I see another Cris Carter situation brewing there and I'd rather be the Vikings in that scenario than the Eagles.

If the Vikes go MLB with either of their 1st rounders the guy I want is Arthur Brown. He looks like the best pure MLB in this year's draft, plus he's a high character guy and, from what I can gather, a very hard worker. He gives 100% every down and expects his teammates to do the same. Take Brown in the 1st and then John Jenkins, the NT from Georgia, in the 2nd if he's there and watch Brown make plays for years to come. Jenkins will tie up blockers in the middle and Brown will bring the hammer down.

[losperros]

If the Vikes go MLB with either of their 1st rounders the guy I want is Arthur Brown. He looks like the best pure MLB in this year's draft, plus he's a high character guy and, from what I can gather, a very hard worker. He gives 100% every down and expects his teammates to do the same. Take Brown in the 1st and then John Jenkins, the NT from Georgia, in the 2nd if he's there and watch Brown make plays for years to come. Jenkins will tie up blockers in the middle and Brown will bring the hammer down.

I like Brown as well, though I keep hearing mumblings about him being pushed to OLB in the NFL. Anyway, Brown was a darn good MLB for the Wildcats and they used a 4-3 defense that's not unlike some of the things the Vikings do. He could be a three-down player as well.

The problem with Brown is his shoulder injury, which basically kept him from participating in the Senior Bowl and Combine. There were some whispers about it being worse than previously thought. However, I think he must be better now because he did well at the Kansas State Pro Day yesterday.

[Arma]

Teo is not fluid in his movements. Get him moving in one direction and he flows nicely, but his ability to stop and rapidly adjust is pretty average from what I've seen, and unfortunately that skill is one required of good pass defenders whether they are secondary players or linebackers. Vision and instincts are also part of the equation and while Teo appears to be above average in those areas attacking the run, he is below average in both in defending the pass from what I've seen.

Add on top of that pedestrian speed and you have Jasper Brinkley Part II. Teo is not the prototypical MLB required by an effective Tampa 2 scheme. The way things are looking right now, though, the Vikings could find him still on the board when their 2nd rounder comes up. I hope they will pass because they got Brinkley in the 5th IIRC and they'd just be replacing that production. Of course, the fact they don't have an MLB on the defense right now will probably color their decision if that is the case.

Sucks to be desperate in the NFL...

Again, I don't see it. His speed is way overblown, what matters is his lateral quickness which is something, again, he excels at. He's not even close to Brinkley, a guy known to be a thumper, while Te'o has been known to be a guy with a lot football smarts and can read an offense really well.

"Te'o was superb in zone coverage as a senior. He really was excellent at reading the offense and putting himself in position to make plays on the ball. The speed concerns hurt Te'o in his ability to cover tight ends and receiving backs. He would be better utilitzed in a defense that calls on the middle linebacker to play more zone than man."

"Te’o isn’t an elite athlete and will need to be protected in coverage, but he has baseline coverage skills to be an inside linebacker in the NFL. Having recorded zero interceptions prior to his senior season, Te’o apparently made pass coverage his top priority entering the year, and it paid off with a seven-interception season.

He'll need to be protected schematically in coverage since he lacks the ability to run with great athletes at tight end and running back in space, but he is capable of dropping into zones and covering shorter areas. He played a lot of short zone and robber coverages over the middle, allowing him to read the quarterback’s eyes and try to break on the ball."

"Coverage
+ Every down LB, not a liability in coverage and doesn’t have to come off the field on passing downs
+ Has good range for his size, shows ability to move well in the middle of the field
+ Ball skills and zone instincts greatly improved as a Senior
+ Can close quickly when he sees it, has a nose for the ball and big play ability
+ 7 INTs as a Senior to go with 11 PBU, after zero his first three years
+ Can re-route and jam TE off the line of scrimmage and can run with them in straight line
+ Recognizes screens very well and gets to ball carrier quickly
+ Has improved drop quickness, loss of weight has improved his range and fluidity in coverage
- Struggles at times keeping up after a sharp breaking route
- His lack of speed may be exploited vs. quicker RB who can get into the flat
- May struggle in zone coverage vs. crossing routes when he has to switch and run laterally"

What we need on defense is more high character guys and smart, and that's what Spielmen is drafting. Te'o fits it perfectly, honestly he just seems like too good of a fit for us.

[Mothman]

From Rob Rang and along the same lines:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/play ... /manti-teo

May not possess elite straight-line speed as timed in workouts but consistently gets to the edge due to his lateral agility, balance and anticipation. Generally a reliable open field tackler. Brings his hips as he hits the ball-carrier, powering through him and wrapping his arm securely for the tackle. Does a nice job of forcing the ballcarrier to commit, rarely allowing cut-back opportunities.

Returned for his senior season dedicated to making himself a more productive defender against the pass and was incredibly successful in those role, demonstrating not only better speed and fluidity but instincts in coverage. Entered his senior campaign with zero career interceptions but recorded seven in 2012 to lead all FBS linebackers.

Showed much better awareness, body control and ball-skills in this regard as a senior. Known throughout his career as a leader and a man of integrity. Voted a team captain. Earned the prestigious Eagle Scout award in 2008.

[Purple bruise]

Oakland Raiders' Rolando McClain can seek trade any interest here?
Middle linebacker Rolando McClain has been given permission to seek a trade out of Oakland, according to an NFL Network report.
http://www.prosportsdaily.com/articles/ ... 40032.html