As the NFL Draft approaches, new rumors suggest that the controversial Norte Dame linebacker Manti Te'o may be drafted by the New York Giants, according to the New York Post.
The Giants are in bad need for a middle linebacker to help strengthen their run defense, and it appears many league insiders would not be surprised if they take Te'o with their 19th overall pick.
Te'o's draft stock dropped in the wake of his bizarre hoax that involved a fake dead girlfriend and an less than stellar performance in the BCS title game. However, now it appears it has risen as scouts say Te'o has been able to repair his image during team interviews and visits with individual clubs.
The Post reported that several teams have been very impressed with his humble attitude, his willingness to answer questions about the girlfriend hoax and his football knowledge. He also redeemed himself after a poor combine performance with a much more improved showing at his pro day.
Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome is one of the few supporters of Te'o and defended him last week when asked about his "issues."
"Is that beating women? Is that using drugs? Is it DUI? How do you clarify that?" Newsome asked. "I couldn't."
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